How to Poach Eggs
This process is easy but the steps and timing are important for perfectly poached eggs. If you want to eliminate egg white strings in your water, crack the eggs over a fine sieve, but that’s optional.
- Fill a medium saucepan 2/3 full with water, or 3 inches deep. Bring to a simmer then add vinegar. Reduce the heat until the water is no longer boiling or moving. You’ll just see tiny bubbles sent up from the bottom.
- Crack eggs into ramekins – add them to the water one by one, moving in a clockwise pattern so you know which one to remove first. Gently tip the ramekin into the water for the egg to slide out.
- Poach the eggs – as soon as your eggs are all in, cover with a tight-fitting lid, remove from heat, and set a timer for 4 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon. I like to tap the spoon over a paper towel to remove excess water before plating.
How Can I Tell When Poached Eggs are Done?
The best way to tell when eggs are done is to set a timer. The eggs should be in water exactly 4 minutes off the heat for the perfect doneness.
To Test Doneness: remove one from the pan with a slotted spoon and push the yolk gently. If you prefer a firmer yolk, put it back in the water for another minute.
Do you Put Salt in Poached Eggs?
Salt increases the water’s density cause the egg white to break apart and look fragmented. After testing countless batches, we found all you need is a little vinegar and water for the prettiest and tastiest poached eggs. Instead, season the finished poached egg with a little salt and paprika.
Should I Swirl the Water?
Swirling the water can help the egg keep an oval shape but it really only works if you are poaching one egg (not practical) and we found it an unnecessary step.
Love Eggs? Try our Best Egg Recipes
Eggs are nutrient-rich and so satisfying. Thankfully they are also easy to cook. If you love eggs, these egg recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Poached Eggs – Perfect Every Time!
How to make the best Poached Eggs that are firm on the outside with golden liquid centers. You’ll have perfect poached eggs every time without any fancy equipment or tools.
Prep Time: 4 minutes mins
Cook Time: 4 minutes mins
Total Time: 8 minutes mins
Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark
- Fill a medium saucepan 2/3 full with water (about 3-inches deep). Bring water to a light boil then reduce the heat so water is barely at a simmer and add 1 Tbsp vinegar. You should see some movement or tiny bubbles being sent up from the bottom but the surface of the water should not be bubbling or disturbed at all.
- Crack eggs into individual ramekins with one egg per ramekin. Add the eggs to the pan one at a time, dipping the edge of your ramekin into the water and gently sliding the egg out. Add additional eggs in a clockwise pattern around the pan so you know which ones to take out first. Poach up to 4 eggs at a time.
- As soon as all the eggs are in, immediately remove from heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let sit for exactly 4 minutes then immediately remove the eggs one at a time using a slotted spoon. Briefly let the extra water drain off from the spoon over a paper towel-lined plate then transfer to a serving plate.
- Use the eggs in any recipe that calls for poached eggs or enjoy them plain with a sprinkle of salt, paprika, or cracked black pepper.
64kcal Calories1g Carbs6g Protein4g Fat1g Saturated Fat164mg Cholesterol63mg Sodium61mg Potassium1g Sugar238IU Vitamin A25mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Poached Eggs – Perfect Every Time!
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
