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The Ultimate Egg
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breakfast

Classic French Omelette with Fine Herbs

The French omelette is a test of technique, not ingredients. Cooked entirely over moderate heat with constant agitation, it should be pale yellow with no browning, custardy in the center, and rolled — not folded — into a seamless torpedo. Fresh chervil, chives, parsley, and tarragon do the rest.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 2 min Total: 7 min Serves: 1

Instructions

  1. Crack eggs into a bowl and beat vigorously with a fork until the whites and yolks are fully combined — about 30 seconds of real effort. Season with salt and white pepper.

  2. Mix the chopped herbs together and set aside.

  3. Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and swirl to coat the pan. The butter should foam but not brown.

  4. Pour in the eggs. Immediately begin stirring with a chopstick or silicone spatula, making small circular motions while shaking the pan back and forth. You are making very small curds.

  5. When the eggs are about 75% set — still wet on top but no longer liquid — stop stirring. Sprinkle the herbs across the center third of the omelette.

  6. Tilt the pan away from you at a 45-degree angle. Use the spatula to fold the near third of the omelette over the herbs, then roll the omelette onto a warm plate so the seam is on the bottom.

  7. The surface should be smooth and pale. If you want to be precise, rub a small knob of butter over the top for shine.