How to Crack an Egg Without Breaking the Yolk

Properly cracking an egg prevents stray shells from entering the mixture and keeps the yolk intact. The next time you’re cooking eggs, use this egg cracking hack when combining ingredients, cooking an omelet, or making sunny-side up, scrambled, or over-easy eggs.

• Tap the egg against a flat surface. For a cracking method that results in a perfect egg, use one hand, position your thumb on the bottom center portion of the egg and your index and middle fingers on the top center. Tap the egg against a flat surface, such as a countertop or cutting board. A hard surface is more effective for creating a clean break than the edge of a bowl or side of a bowl.
• Open the crack with your thumbs. Hold the cracked egg over the bowl or frying pan, positioning your two hands so your thumbs lay over the crack. Gently push your thumbs into the crack to open the egg’s membrane and create a clean break.
• Release the egg whites and yolk. Pull apart the sides of the egg to release the egg whites and yolk into the bowl. Gripping the egg halves too tightly as you release the yolk can cause the shell halves to crack. Instead, hold the egg shells with a firm but gentle grip to release the egg.
• Scoop out pieces of shell. While this method of cracking eggs reduces the chance of broken pieces, you might still find stray bits of shell in your egg yolk. The best way to remove broken shells is by scooping them out with one of the shell halves. With practice and time, your egg-cracking skills will improve and you won’t have to scoop out broken shell pieces.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Gordon Ramsay, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more.