Which type of eggs requires a tight-fitting lid during cooking?

Basted eggs require a tight-fitting lid during cooking to ensure an even cooking process and optimal texture. When preparing basted eggs, the primary technique involves covering the cooking pan, which traps steam and creates a moist environment. This method allows the tops of the eggs to cook gently and thoroughly without flipping them, resulting in tender whites and runny yolks.

The use of the lid is essential in this technique because it helps maintain the right level of moisture while providing heat circulation, allowing the egg yolks to retain their desired doneness. This approach is particularly important for achieving the perfect balance of cooked whites and runny yolks that basted eggs are known for.

In contrast, scrambled eggs and poached eggs typically do not require a lid for their respective cooking methods, as they rely on different techniques. Scrambled eggs are stirred constantly while cooking, and poached eggs are gently cooked in simmering water, benefiting from an open environment. Hard-boiled eggs, while they do require a covered pot during their boiling process, are not continuously cooked with a lid, as they are usually boiled for a specified period and then cooled.