Whipping up the perfect omelette can be a daunting task, with potential pitfalls such as rubbery or watery eggs, or the entire dish falling apart. However, Michelin-starred chef José Andrés has come to the rescue of home cooks worldwide seeking a fuss-free cooked lunch, revealing his unique omelette recipe – which doesn’t even require a pan.
The three-egg omelette is a timeless dish that’s been enjoyed for centuries. Despite its seemingly straightforward nature, the technique can be surprisingly challenging – it’s even used by Gordon Ramsay as a test for budding chefs. The secret to a top-notch omelette lies in its texture, with the ideal version being light, fluffy and springy.
While many chefs and home cooks might resort to vigorous whisking to blend the mixture, Chef José Andrés recommends adding another ingredient you probably already have lurking in your fridge.
The surprise ingredient – mayonnaise. Although incorporating mayo into eggs might seem like an odd choice, or even a culinary faux pas, when you delve deeper, it makes complete sense.
This creamy condiment is made from an emulsion of egg yolks and oil, so when mixed back into the eggs, it imparts a richness akin to adding an extra yolk, reports the Express.
Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the chef disclosed his method: “One day I had to make eggs very quickly, ‘Daddy we only have three minutes, I have a meeting, I have this, I have that’ Okay I get the eggs and I get the mayo. I mix one egg with one big spoon of mayo, and I whisk.
“I then put it in a shallow kind of plate, a little bit of oil and butter, and in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. Oh my god Joe, the best omelette in the history of mankind – delicious. Oh my god try it!”
Jose’s formula can be increased by maintaining roughly the same ratios, though an extra pinch of salt and pepper certainly enhances the dish.
The compact omelette disc works brilliantly when tucked into a sausage or bacon butty if you fancy an eggy element without the hassle or chaos of a fried or poached egg.
Including mayonnaise does naturally leave its rather distinctive aroma lingering once microwaved, but this dissipates rapidly after removing from your container.