Poached Eggs are really an easy thing to make. The whites turn out just firm enough on the outside to hold that golden yellow yolk inside. Use these easy how to tips with step by step instruction and you’ll be a pro in no time.
Have you ever made poached eggs? If you’re like me, you probably think it’s difficult to make at home but super easy to order at a restaurant. I’m here to tell you, I finally tried to make them at home and it’s not hard at all! It did take a few times before I felt comfortable in saying, “I can poach eggs”! It just takes a little practice and a little patience.
Once you learn the simple steps and tips I’m going to share, you will be poaching a perfect egg at home! My favorite way to serve the eggs is over buttered toast or an English muffin for a quick breakfast. The options are endless though.
There are a Few Rules to Know before Starting
No broken yolks. Now this seems to be an easy one, but you may be surprised how many times cracking eggs can lead to yolks broken. The key to poached eggs with a nice runny center is to start with an intact yolk. If you struggle to crack open eggs without breaking the yolk, try giving them a single swift crack against the top of a bowl with a thin (vs. thick or rounded) edge. This creates a clean, thin break that is easy to crack apart without damaging the yolks in the process. Unbroken yolks will make the best eggs unless you’re making a fried egg!
Use Fresh Eggs. This is more of a guideline than a hard-and-fast rule, because it can be tough to know how fresh the eggs you purchase at your local grocery store are. However, try to use eggs you’ve recently purchased instead of ones that have been sitting in your refrigerator awhile.
Crack each egg into small cups or individual bowls. This makes it easy to poach more than one egg at a time without having to stop to crack each egg when it’s time to pour them into the simmering water.
Swirling a Vortex: The best method for poaching eggs is to drop them in a swirling vortex of water. This helps to create a more round shape as the egg white wraps around itself. But honestly, if you are only cooking one or two poached eggs – I wouldn’t even worry about this. Even if you’re cooking more than one egg – the vortex really isn’t a big deal, unless you want to impress your guest. Your egg(s) may not be quite as round, but you can cook several simultaneously and they’ll turn out delicious. Personally, the vortex is kinda cool! So yes to the swirl method!
Why do we add vinegar to water when poaching eggs?
While adding a small amount of white vinegar is totally optional, I recommend doing so. Adding boiling water is a trick that some people use to help the egg whites come together quicker. Stir one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar into the boiling water before you add the eggs.
What Size Pot Should I use?
Use a pot that can hold at least 6 cups of water. You want to have enough water to be able to hold the eggs and room for them to cook.
How Long Do You Poach Eggs?
For a firm white and runny yolk you’ll want to poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes. If you plan to poach a few eggs ahead of time and reheat later, just keep in mind that reheating may firm up the eggs a little more as well, thus you could reduce the cooking time by 30-45 seconds.
Can you Poach Eggs Ahead of Time?
Yes you can. Poach your eggs and then place them in an ice water bath and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat them, just add some hot water to a small bowl and add the poached egg until it’s warmed up (about 30 seconds). Easy.
Ingredients
- fresh eggs
- vinegar
- water
How to make the best poached eggs
Step 1
Fill a pot with 6 cups water and set over high heat. Add one tablespoon white vinegar and bring to a rapid boil.
Step 2
While the water is coming to a boil, crack an egg (or two, or three!) into a small individual bowls. Once the water is boiling, stir it with a spoon in a large, circular motion, creating a vortex (swirling like a tornado); add the eggs one at a time. The swirling water will help the egg white wrap around itself as it cooks.
Cook the eggs for 3 – 4 minutes. If you want a firmer yolk, let it cook another minute. Remove with a slotted spoon, dab with a paper towel to remove excess water. Serve immediately.
What to Serve with Poached Eggs
- Serve the poached eggs over toast, or avocado toast.
- Serve as Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce
- Serve as is with bacon, sausage, or ham.
- Get creative!
How to Make Easy Poached Eggs
Ingredients
- fresh eggs
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Fill a pot with 6 cups water and set over high heat. Add one tablespoon white vinegar and bring to a rapid boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, crack an egg (or two, or three!) into a small individual bowls. Once the water is boiling, stir it with a spoon in a large, circular motion, creating a vortex (swirling like a tornado); add the eggs one at a time. The swirling water will help the egg white wrap around itself as it cooks.
- Cook the eggs for 3 – 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, dab with a paper towel to remove excess water. Serve immediately.
Other Egg Recipes for you to Enjoy
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