The Key To Delicious Scrambled Eggs Is A Little Bit Of This Fruit Juice

Anyone who has been on a mission to create restaurant-quality scrambled eggs has likely experimented with all sorts of additions like water, milk, or even sour cream to transform both their flavor and texture. But if you're looking for a unique way to brighten up your morning meal, you may want to reach beyond dairy to a citrusy breakfast staple. According to chef Serge Krikorian, managing partner and executive chef of Vibrant Occasions Catering, orange juice is the unexpected ingredient you need to level up your egg game.

"You know, when I first heard about adding orange juice to scrambled eggs, I thought 'that's crazy!' But honestly, it's one of those techniques that just works," Krikorian told Food Republic. "The natural acidity in that juice cuts right through all that rich, buttery egg flavor. What I love about it is how it brings out just a hint of sweetness but not like you're making dessert, but enough to make those eggs sing when you add some fresh chives or a good sharp cheese."

Krikorian recommends avoiding heavy-handedness when adding orange juice to your scramble, saying that a teaspoon for two to three eggs should suffice. Once you've added that splash of citrus to the bowl, he recommends whisking it thoroughly so that it's evenly dispersed throughout the egg mixture.

Adding a bit of orange juice not only brightens up the eggs — it also helps to build the best texture. Chef Serge Krikorian explains that the acid in the juice is "actually doing some pretty cool chemistry work on those egg proteins. It starts breaking them down just a little bit, which means if you cook them low and slow like you should, you get this incredibly creamy, almost custardy texture."

Krikorian does note that using orange juice instead of milk or cream won't result in the same richness. However, adjusting your cooking technique can still produce satisfying scrambled eggs. Make sure to exercise patience and use a gentle hand for the best results. "Keep stirring, keep that heat low," he said. "Rush it, and you'll miss the whole point. When you do it right, though, you get eggs that are tender and bright at the same time."

Freshly squeezed juice is always ideal, but you can also look for high-quality store-bought orange juice brands. Check the label, and skip the ones with additives or extra sugar. It may be a little pricier, but the quality of your scramble is worth it. And since you're only using a small amount, you can use the leftover juice to elevate banana bread or take your margarita to the next level.