Cooking encyclopaedia When it goes wrong

My eggs are rubbery

Also called overcooked scrambled eggs

The protein network tightened and squeezed out the water it was holding.

62โ€“71 ยฐC (144โ€“160 ยฐF)

What it is

Lower heat, and take them off while they still look slightly underdone โ€” carryover finishes them. For scrambled, off the heat and stirring is often enough for the last stretch.

Why it works

Egg proteins set from about 62 ยฐC. Past that they keep contracting, and the network expels water โ€” which is why overcooked eggs are both firm and weeping. It is not the cooking that made them rubbery; it is the last thirty seconds.

When to use it

Scrambled eggs, omelettes, frittata, custards, quiche.

What goes wrong

High heat throughout; cooking to the point where they look right in the pan; adding salt very early in scrambled eggs and then holding them; leaving them in a hot pan while plating.

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