A poached egg is a beautifully cooked egg where the white is firm and set and the yolk remains soft and runny. It is a popular method of cooking eggs that results in a tender and delicious texture and we will show you how to poach the perfect egg.

Poaching eggs requires a delicate and precise technique to achieve the desired result. It can be challenging to master the art of gently dropping an egg into simmering water without breaking the yolk or ending up with a messy, unruly poached egg.

The unfamiliarity with the process can make it seem more daunting than it actually is, and we are here to help guide you though.

What is a Poached Egg?

A poached egg is an egg that has been cooked by gently simmering it in water without its shell. The process involves submerging the egg in simmering water, causing the egg white to cook and set while keeping the yolk soft and runny.

Poached eggs are known for their delicate and smooth texture. When properly poached, the egg white forms a thin, delicate outer layer that gently encapsulates the yolk. The yolk remains liquid and rich, providing a luxurious and creamy element to the dish.

They are commonly used in various dishes such as classic eggs benedict, salads, soups, or served on avocado toast or English muffins. They are enjoyed for breakfast or brunch and they are truly my favorite breakfast.

Perfecting the Poach

To poach the perfect egg, you’ll need fresh eggs and the right technique. Here are some tips to help you:

Choose fresh eggs: Fresh egg hold their shape better during poaching. Use eggs that are not too old for the best results.
Heat the water: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Avoid boiling water vigorously, as this can cause the eggs to break apart.
Create a gentle whirlpool: Using a spoon or whisk, create a gentle whirlpool in a circular motion in the simmering water. This helps the egg whites wrap around the yolk, giving a neater shape.
Crack the egg into a small bowl: Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin before adding it to the simmering water. This makes it easier to slide the egg into the water without breaking the yolk.
Slide the egg into the water: Hold the bowl close to the surface of the water and gently slide the egg into the center of the whirlpool. Repeat for additional eggs, if desired.
Cook to desired doneness: Poaching times vary depending on how runny you want the yolk. For a soft-poached egg with a runny yolk, cook for about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a firmer yolk, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Remove the egg from the water: Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the poached egg out of the water. Gently shake off any excess water.
Serve: Serve the poached egg while it’s still warm. You can place it on toast, English muffins, or a bed of sautéed vegetables.

Remember, poaching eggs may require some practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts are not perfect. With time and experience, you’ll become more comfortable with the technique and be able to consistently poach beautiful eggs.

MORE BREAKFAST IDEAS:

HOW TO POACH THE PERFECT EGG
Like this recipe? Pin it to your BREAKFAST board!

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook and Pinterest!

How to Poach the Perfect Egg

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews

Author: Debi
Total Time: 8 minutes
Yield: 1 Egg 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 Fresh Large Eggs
Pot with simmering water
Vinegar (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Fill a wide, shallow pan with enough water to submerge the eggs completely. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling the water vigorously.
(Optional) If desired, add about a tablespoon of vinegar to the water. The vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate and hold their shape better. It’s a matter of personal preference, so you can skip this step if you prefer.
While the water is heating, crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin. This makes it easier to slide the eggs into the water without breaking the yolks.
Once the water is simmering, use a spoon or whisk to create a gentle whirlpool in the center of the pan. This helps the egg whites wrap around the yolk, giving a neater shape. Again, this step is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a more rustic-looking poached egg.
Hold the bowl with the cracked egg close to the surface of the water and gently slide the egg into the center of the whirlpool or, if not using a whirlpool, into the simmering water. Repeat this step for each egg, allowing some space between them.
Cook the eggs to your desired level of doneness. For a soft-poached egg with a runny yolk, cook for about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a firmer yolk, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
While the eggs are cooking, you can use a slotted spoon to carefully push the egg whites towards the yolk to help maintain a round shape, if desired. Be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate egg.
Once cooked, use the slotted spoon to carefully lift the poached eggs out of the water. Gently shake off any excess water and blot on a paper towel.
Season the poached eggs with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings.
Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Breakfast