this is the foolproof way to make poached eggs on the stove top, in the oven, microwave or the Instant Pot.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American, French
Keyword poached eggs
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 10 minutesminutes
Servings 2
Calories 162kcal
Ingredients
4largeeggs, or as many as you want to make
1tablespoonwhite or cider vinegar
Instructions
How to Make Poached Eggs
Fill a non-stick skillet with 2-3 inches of water or a medium sauce pan with 4 inches of water with the vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat until bubbles form on the bottom of the pan.
Over a small bowl or ramekin, crack each egg one at a time into a fine sieve or strainer to drain off the watery part of the whites. Doing so creates less wispies as the eggs cook in the water. Slip the egg into the simmering water instead of cracking them into the water. Be sure not to crowd the pan. Use a sieve to skim the water. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolks are still tender. Use a slotted spoon to gently release the eggs from the bottom of the pan if sticking and remove from the water. Dab the eggs on a kitchen or paper towel and trim any rough edges or wispy whites. Serve immediately or place in an ice water bath to stop cooking.
Poached eggs can be refrigerated for 24 hours and reheated in simmering water for 45 seconds.
How to Poach Eggs in the Microwave
Crack the egg into a ramekin or small microwave safe bowl with ¼ to ½ cup water depending on the size of the ramekin so the egg is covered with water. Poke the whites around the egg yolk 3 times with a sharp knife so the whites cook thoroughly. Cook on high for 1 minute in the microwave with an extra 15 seconds blasts if the egg isn’t cooked to your liking. Strain from the water.
How to Poach Eggs in the Instant Pot
Place the Instant Pot's wire trivet in the bottom of the insert and add 1 cup of water. Spray 3-4 ramekins with cooking spray and crack an egg into each one. Turn pressure knob to the sealing position. Select the STEAM button and set time for 3 minutes. When the Instant Pot beeps, immediately release the pressure. Carefully open the lid and remove the ramekins from the insert. Use a silicone spatula to release the eggs and slide out of the ramekins.
How to Make Poached Eggs in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 6-tin, non-stick muffin tin with canola oil spray then crack the eggs into the tins. Poke the whites with a sharp knife 3 times around the outside of the yolk to break up the whites to set as they cook. If you want a hard cooked egg, gently pierce the egg yolk with a sharp knife. Cover with 2 tablespoons of water and bake for 8-10 minutes or until desired doneness.
Notes
Poached eggs can be made ahead, placed in an ice water bath and refrigerated for 24 hours. To reheat, add to simmering water for 30-45 seconds before serving.