Break an Egg with One Hand

Professional cooks break eggs with one hand all the time, mostly to save time. With these instructions and a little practice, you'll be able to do it as well.

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:One_Hand_Egg_Grip.jpg|thumb|]][[Image:Underside_One_Hand_Grip.jpg|thumb|]]Pick up an egg and hold it with all fingers, in a way where your thumb and first finger are holding on one end, and your second and third fingers are pressing the other end against the heel of your palm.
 * 2)  [[Image:Crack_It.jpg|thumb|]][[Image:Cracking_2.jpg|thumb|Note the third finger pulling backwards on the egg.]]Crack the egg (one handed) on an edge: typically the top edge of the container you are about to put the contents into. You can also crack the egg against a flat surface, which some people find lessens the chance of the yolk breaking, and prevents eggshell surface bacteria from entering the contents. Either way, make sure the point of impact is between your thumb and first finger and the rest of the fingers.
 * 3) [[Image:Pull_apart.jpg|thumb|]][[Image:Look_Ma_One_Hand.jpg|thumb|]]With your thumb and index finger still in the same place, ease the egg apart on both sides of the crack and then pull it apart.
 * 4)  Keep practicing with your dominant hand, then switch to your other hand.  Professional cooks often break eggs two at a time to cut preparation time from recipes that require sometimes dozens of eggs.  Besides, when you can do it with both hands at the same time you will look pretty cool.

Tips

 * Sometimes looking away from the egg helps. This way you are not concentrating too hard and can develop your own "touch".
 * If you are having trouble at first, try turning the egg and continuing the crack further around the egg. This makes it easier to crack open.
 * When you are first beginning, crack the eggs in a small bowl or container, rather than the final bowl you will put the eggs in. If you get some shell in the egg, you can pick it out more easily.

Warnings

 * Keep a towel and disinfectant handy to clean up spills. This will help avoid contamination of other food products that may come in contact with the same surface.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Separate an Egg
 * How to Peel an Egg Quickly
 * How to Peel a Difficult Hard Boiled Egg
 * How to Select Unbroken Eggs at the Store
 * How to Enjoy a Home Cooked Meal