A delicious plate of scrambled eggs sounds easy to make, but getting that beautiful, fluffy texture can be tricky. Everyone has their own method and hacks, whether it involves adding milk or cream or a specific cooking method, such as using butter or water.
However, this underrated hack revealed on Well and Good might be the ultimate key to the “perfect” scrambled eggs, and both cooks and scientists even back it. The game-changing ingredient will not only leave you with scrambled eggs that have a “seriously fluffy” texture, but also eggs that are absolutely delicious. While it might sound bizarre to many, a food scientist explained why adding this ingredient is super effective.
The next time you make scrambled eggs, whisk in some lemon juice before cooking to fluff them up. Makenzie Bryson Jackson, food scientist, explained: “Whipping the eggs beforehand with some acid such as lemon juice can create a stiffer structure that holds air bubbles.”
Popping in a few squeezes of lemon juice just before your eggs go into the pan creates the perfect, airy puff that will hold that light texture. Another reason why lemon juice works well is that it is similar to the function of adding water or milk. The liquid slows down how quickly the eggs scramble.
“The water in the juice dilutes those egg proteins so they aren’t as quick to coagulate,” the expert added. “They cook more slowly because there is more water to evaporate, and the water creates steam as it cooks, creating a softer, fluffier texture.”
If you’re worried about the lemon juice ruining the taste, the expert has assured that the flavour is “subtle,” which is also credited to the acidity, which balances out and enhances the eggs in a similar way that a good amount of salt can.
The method is straightforward. All it involves is adding lemon juice and then continuing as normal. However, the expert warns to be cautious of how much is used. If there is too much acid, the eggs will “curdle and seperate,” while too much liquid could leave you with a “watery, lumpy mess”.
As recommended, use about half a teaspoon for about six eggs, and watch your breakfast staple transform forever.
