How to Flip an Omelet

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Omelets are a classic breakfast choice, but they can be fragile and hard to flip correctly. By knowing the right way to use a spatula and pan and a few different flipping methods, you'll quickly master the omelet flip and make your omelet cook and look how it should.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Flipping With the Pan

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Flip an Omelet
    This will allow you to snap your wrist and flip the omelet in one smooth motion.
    • Tilting the pan more than 30 degrees could cause the omelet to slip out, and less will not give you good leverage for the flipping motion.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Flip an Omelet
    Make sure the bottom is solidified and does not stick to the pan, which can be done by gently shaking the pan to allow the omelet to slide around. [1]
    • Flipping an omelet that is stuck to the pan will make a mess, as some of it will stick in the pan and some of it will fly out.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Flip an Omelet
    Thrust forward to about the halfway point in the omelet, then flick your wrist upward slightly to lift half the omelet up. Then, sharply draw the pan slightly back towards you, lifting the far edge to fold the omelet in half. [2]
    • If you flick too hard you could end up flipping the entire thing over, but flick too soft and you won't get a proper fold. This takes practice!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inverting Onto a Plate

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    With the bottom of the omelet solidified, you will be able to slide it off without breaking it. [3] Make sure the pan and the plate are touching so the omelet does not fall from a height - you want to slide it out, not drop it out.
    • Use a plate that is about 2 in (5.1 cm) larger than your pan on each side. Don't use a plate the same size as your pan or smaller or your omelet will not fit and could spill over the side of the plate.
    • Don't tip the whole omelet onto the plate, as you will need to use the pan's edge to flip it in half.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Flip an Omelet
    With half of the omelet in the pan and half on the plate, carefully move the pan forward over the plate to allow the other half to slide onto itself.
    • Don't raise the pan high or you may accidentally drop the omelet by dragging it off the plate. Instead, use a slow forward motion to push the omelet onto itself. [4]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using a Spatula

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    Timing is everything in omelet flipping, and a good rule of thumb is to look for solidified eggs on the edges. Once they have begun to turn white, you have a short amount of time before they become too hard. Use medium heat and allow the center to solidify slightly. [5]
    • Flipping an omelet when the sides have started to turn brown will sometimes result in an omelet that is well-done on the outside, but runny inside.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Flip an Omelet
    Look for which side has the most cooked-through eggs, and insert the spatula about 1/3 of the way in. Don't insert it all the way to the center, or you may end up splitting the omelet in half.
    • If you can't get the spatula underneath the eggs cleanly, you may not have used enough oil or butter, or you may need to let the omelet cook longer to solidify more.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Flip an Omelet
    Make sure the side that you plan to fold stays together before committing to the flip. You don't need to insert the spatula any further than 1/3 of the way. [6]
    • If the eggs seem to start breaking apart, either try to flip it from another side or wait a few seconds longer to let the eggs cook through more.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Flip an Omelet
    If your eggs are white on the sides and have begun to solidify in the center, the omelet is ready to be flipped. Gently lift one side with the spatula to fold it in half, and press down on the top to allow the center to stick together.
    • Allow the side still on the pan to cook to a golden brown, then flip it again, and allow the other side to cook to a golden brown too.
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  • Question
    What if the egg consistently sticks when I flip the omelet over?
    Community Answer
    You are probably leaving it to cook too long on that side, reduce the time by a few seconds. You might also need to use more butter/Pam/etc. to coat the pan when making your omelet.
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      Tips

      • Opt for a non-stick 8 in (20 cm) pan. Any size pan will work for omelets, but small non-stick pans are your best bet for cooking the omelet through and maintaining its shape. [7]
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      • Chop fillings into smaller pieces, and use less than you think. Having too much filling in an omelet makes it much harder to flip, as does having chunky fillings.
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      • Add shredded cheese into the mix before you pour the egg into the pan. This acts as a binder and can help keep the omelet together when you flip it.
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      Warnings

      • Be careful of grease and oil when flipping. If there is too much oil in the pan when you go to flip, pour the excess out into a container to prevent burning yourself.
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      • Don't turn the heat up too high as you may cook the outside too quickly and leave the inside liquefied. Cooking at medium heat is best because it allows the omelet to cook fully through. [8]
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      Things You'll Need

      • Spatula
      • Non-stick 8 in (20 cm) pan
      • Plate
      • Omelette ingredients (eggs, cheese, fillings)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.incredibleegg.org/recipes/cooking-school/how-to-make-an-omelet/
      2. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/perfect-omelet-recipe-2107557
      3. ↑ https://www.incredibleegg.org/recipes/cooking-school/how-to-make-an-omelet/
      4. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/perfect-omelet-recipe-2107557
      5. ↑ https://www.eggrecipes.co.uk/ways-to-cook/omelettes-tortillas-frittatas/cooking-tips/how-flip-omelette
      6. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/perfect-omelet-recipe-2107557
      7. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/omelet-common-mistakes
      8. ↑ https://www.incredibleegg.org/recipes/cooking-school/how-to-make-an-omelet/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you flip an omelet, allow the edges of the eggs to turn white and opaque. Next, slide the spatula 1/3 of the way underneath the eggs and fold the omelet in half. Then, allow the omelet to cook to a golden brown on one side before flipping it over and browning the other side. For more tips, including how to flip an omelet without using a spatula, read on!

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