A fried egg is a popular dish made by cooking an egg in a hot pan with a small amount of oil or butter. The egg is typically cracked open and placed directly into the pan, where it cooks until the white is set and the yolk remains runny or is cooked to the desired firmness. Fried eggs can be seasoned with salt and pepper and are often served as part of breakfast. Fried eggs can be prepared in various styles, including sunny-side up, over-easy, and over-hard. They are commonly enjoyed with sides like toast, bacon, or hash browns. This versatile dish is not only a breakfast staple but can also be used in salads, sandwiches, and other meals.