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Oeufs Au Plat

This classic vegetarian dish, known as oeufs au plat, offers a refined take on the simple fried egg. Unlike the high-heat method often used for a traditional fry-up, these eggs are started in a cold frying pan with plenty of softened butter. This technique results in incredibly tender whites and silky yolks, ensuring the edges stay soft and pale rather than becoming crisp or brown. It is a gentle, foolproof method for a more elegant breakfast.

While delicious on their own with a slice of hot buttered sourdough, these eggs provide a versatile base for more indulgent brunch combinations. Try serving them alongside savoury accompaniments like spring onion sausages or a rich gravy for a comforting, protein-packed meal that feels far more sophisticated than its minimal ingredient list suggests.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Oeufs Au Plat

  • 2 teaspoons softened butter

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 pinches salt

How to make Oeufs Au Plat

  1. Rub a room-temperature 9-inch skillet with the butter. Place the skillet on the burner without turning it on. Crack the eggs into the skillet on opposite sides of the pan from each other.

  2. Turn the heat on to medium-low and cook the eggs until the whites have coagulated and turned opaque. Season the eggs with salt and serve with spring onion Sausage and Prawns Gravy , if you like.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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