Sunny side up refers to eggs that are fried with the yolk facing up and intact. The word "sunny" is pronounced /ˈsʌni/, which represents the vowel sound in "cup" and the consonant sound in "n". The phrase "side up" is pronounced /saɪd/ /ʌp/, which represents the vowel sound in "eye" and the consonant sound in "d" for the first word, and the vowel sound in "cup" and the consonant sound in "p" for the second word. Together, they make the deliciously descriptive term "sunny side up".
Sunny side up is a culinary term that refers to a method of preparing eggs, typically fried or cooked on a griddle. The term specifically describes eggs that are fried without flipping, resulting in a perfectly cooked yolk with a soft, slightly runny consistency. When eggs are cooked sunny side up, the yolk remains intact and appears on the top side of the egg.
The name "sunny side up" is derived from the visual appearance of the dish, where the upturned yolk resembles a bright, sunny side. This cooking method is often preferred by individuals who enjoy the taste and texture of a runny yolk, as the gentle cooking technique allows the yolk to maintain its natural richness and creaminess. Additionally, the whites of sunny side up eggs are usually cooked until fully set and slightly crispy along the edges, contrasting the velvety yolk.
The preparation of sunny side up eggs is relatively straightforward. The eggs are cracked into a preheated non-stick pan or griddle on medium heat. The heat is then reduced to low to allow the egg whites to slowly cook while preventing the yolk from overcooking or becoming fully solidified. The result is a visually appealing dish with a golden yolk that bursts with flavor and pairs well with various breakfast staples like toast, bacon, or hash browns.