What Are Poached Eggs?
Poached eggs are cooked in boiling liquid and are either soft on the inside with a runny (or semi-solid) yolk (soft-boiled) or firm on the inside with a solid yolk (hard boiled). Welcome to the wonderful world of poached eggs! Not everyone knows that it’s possible to make perfect poached eggs easily and quickly in your own kitchen. One of the most often asked questions is how long to boil poached eggs. This article will help you answer the question! You may think making poached eggs is complicated, but it isn’t too challenging if you follow, step-by-step.
Heat Water With Vinegar and Salt
Mix one tablespoon of vinegar and one teaspoon of salt into a pot of water (one quart is about right). Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
Add Eggs
Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently tip it into the simmering water. Add as many eggs as you want, one at a time — they’ll all poach simultaneously. If you don’t have a small bowl or dish, you can crack the egg into a serving spoon and slowly lower it into the water.
How Long to Poach an Egg in Boiling Water
The elusive question of how long to poach an egg in boiling water has caused many people to avoid even trying to make them. Once all your eggs are in the pot, cook for two and a half minutes. While cooking, use a silicone spoon or spatula to carefully push the egg whites towards the egg yolk.
When poaching eggs, the goal is to create a gentle, even heat that cooks the egg without breaking its delicate yolk. The best way to do this is in a wide skillet or sauté pan with simmering water. Remove the egg(s) from the pan with a slotted spoon, place on a paper towel for a few seconds, then onto toast.
How Long to Boil Soft Poached Eggs
While the more traditional poached egg has a runny yolk, you can choose to cook it as a soft poached egg. The method is the same, with a longer cooking time of three to four minutes.
Is it Possible to Poach Eggs in the Microwave?
Yes, you can poach eggs in the microwave, one egg at a time; this method is perfect for one person (but the stovetop is the more efficient method if you are making poached eggs for your family). Fill a microwave-safe cup with ½ cup of water, and gently place the cracked open egg into the water. Cover with a microwave-safe top (saucer or even a paper plate) for 30 seconds. Slowly remove the cover, understanding that steam will escape. If not done, place in microwave for another 15 seconds.
How to Eat Poached Eggs
There is no “wrong” answer regarding how to eat poached eggs. However, the traditional method is to toast some bread, spread butter and place the poached egg on top of the toast. Add a little salt and pepper – or even hot sauce – and enjoy!
In Summary
Let’s review how to make poached eggs:
- Boil water
- Add vinegar and salt
- Once boiling, reduce water to a simmer
- Crack an egg into a small bowl
- Gently tip it into the simmering water
- Cook for 2 ½ minutes while pushing egg whites towards the yolk
- Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon
- Eat
