Definition of the word over easy

The term "over easy" originated in the context of cooking eggs, specifically for sunny side up or over-medium eggs. The phrase describes the desired level of doneness for the egg white, where it is cooked until it becomes solid and opaque, while the yolk is still lightly runny. The term "over easy" emerged in the mid-20th century as a way for diners to easily communicate their desired level of doneness to the chef. This convenience was particularly important in busy restaurants where the pace of service was fast, and meals were often prepared in a matter of minutes. The term "over easy" literally means that the eggs should be cooked with the yolk completely set, but the top surface (or top side, in easy terms) should be lightly browned due to exposure to the cooking heat. The eggs are usually flipped once during the cooking process to achieve this effect. Today, the phrase "over easy" is commonly used in English-speaking cultures, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, where eggs are a staple breakfast food. It has become part of the culinary lexicon and is even recognized by dictionary publishers, such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford Languages. So, the next time you order breakfast at a diner or café, you can request your eggs to be "over easy" and rest assured that you'll get the perfect amount of crispy white and runny yolk that you desire.