Basic Scrambled Eggs
Eggs, whole milk and butter come together in this vegetarian — 60 minutes, 7 steps, and the kind of result worth repeating. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 7 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and pan. At easy difficulty across 7 steps, it's a good one for a busy evening. As written, it's meat-free.
What you'll need
Shopping list (1)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: vegetarian — no meat or fish, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Dairy Egg
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the milk and a pinch of salt, then whisk thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully blended and slightly frothy.
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and melt the butter, swirling it to coat the base evenly without letting it brown.
- Pour in the egg mixture and let it sit undisturbed for about 20 seconds until the edges just begin to set.
- Using a silicone spatula, gently push the eggs from the edges toward the centre, folding the cooked curds over and tilting the pan so the raw egg flows underneath.
- Continue folding slowly for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping the heat gentle so the curds stay soft and glossy rather than dry.
- Remove the pan from the heat while the eggs are still slightly moist but no longer runny, as residual heat will finish cooking them to a safe, firm set without overcooking.
- Season with black pepper and a little more salt if needed, scatter the chives over the top, and serve immediately.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Pan · Blender · Whisk
Ingredient substitutions
- Eggs
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (baking) · 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg
- Milk
- any unsweetened plant milk · ½ cup evaporated milk + ½ cup water
- Butter
- olive oil (¾ the amount) · coconut oil · margarine
Tips & common questions
How long does Basic Scrambled Eggs take to make?
About 60 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 7 steps and 6 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
What can I use instead of eggs?
Try ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (baking). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
Is Basic Scrambled Eggs vegetarian?
Its ingredients contain no meat, fish or shellfish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheese for animal rennet if that matters to you.
Related recipes
Adapted recipe — rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Basic Scrambled Eggs is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Scrambed eggs.jpg by Takeaway, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.