Trying out recipes at home that require poached eggs but can’t seem to nail it right?
Worry not, these 5 tips are going to help you make successfully poached eggs. You can choose which method you like best then flaunt your poached egg skills to your peeps hahaha!
1.The Easiest
No fancy techniques, just crack the egg and wait. That’s all there is to this method. However, you need to be as gentle as a lamb when handling the eggs. REALLY GENTLE.
Steps:
- Bring the water in the pot to a boil then reduce it to a simmer.
- Gently crack your egg directly into the pot or into a bowl (do this if you want to be safer).
- Turn off the heat then cover the pot with a lid to let the eggs poach for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg gently from the pot.
- You can remove the uneven ends if you want your egg to look more rounded.
2. The Whirlpool
You’re going to make a scary looking whirlpool that is going to suck your eggs to the depths of the ocean. LOL. Nah, it’s nothing that scary actually. Just use a spoon to make the whirlpool and drop the egg in. But you’re going to need the secret ingredient – vinegar.
Steps:
- Boil some water in a pot.
- Add a splash of vinegar.
- Stir the water with a spoon or chopsticks in circular motions to form the whirlpool (you’re going to feel like a witch making a magical potion haha).
- Once the whirlpool is forming, gently transfer the egg into it ( you can crack the egg directly, or into a bowl first before pouring it into the pot).
- Cover the pot with a lid to let the eggs poach for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg gently from the pot.
3. The Cling Film
Alright for this method, it’s very important to take note of the type of cling film you choose. Plastic wrap made from PVC causes toxins to leach into food. Other plastic wraps that are made from polyethylene and polypropylene are considered safer.
Another important point is the melting point of the cling film. You do not want your cling film to melt in the pot so check the temperature rating on the box. Water boils at 212 degrees. Good plastic wrap is rated for 250-290 degrees. Most cheap plastic wrap has a melting point of 200-215 degrees. So generally, cheap plastic wrap should not be used when boiling while good plastic wrap can be used for this method.
Steps:
- Place the good cling film in a bowl then rub it with some cooking oil.
- Crack the egg into it.
- Tie the cling film into a knot and place it in the pot of simmering water.
- Let it poach for 3 minutes.
- Remove it with a spoon from the pot.
- Snip the knot off with a knife or scissors then remove the entire cling film from the poached egg.
4. The Strainer
Thanks to the strainer, this one is pretty foolproof. Definitely recommended because it’s really difficult to mess up hahaha.
Steps:
- Bring the pot of water to a simmer.
- Crack the egg into a mesh strainer over a bowl (the outer part of the egg whites are more runny than the inner parts that are closer to the yolk, so it will be filtered into the bowl, which is good, so it doesn’t create all those messy white strands in the pot)
- Gently shake the strainer a little to get rid of that outer part then place it into the pot of simmering water.
- Use a slotted spoon to form the egg whites around the yolk.
- When the whites start to turn opaque, carefully tilt the strainer so the egg is released into the pot.
- Once it is done, remove it with a slotted spoon.
5. The Microwave
This one is a method that is quick and simple too. All you need is some water and a microwave-safe cup.
Steps:
- Get your cup and fill it half with water (some people add a little bit of vinegar, but that’s totally optional).
- Crack the egg into the cup.
- Cover the top with a microwave-safe lid or plate then place it in the microwave.
- Microwave it for 1 minute on high.
- If your egg white is set and the yolk is runny, then it’s done.
- Transfer it from the cup with a spoon gently.
EXTRA TIPS:
The Cling Film and Microwave method allows you to add chopped herbs like chives, sausages or ham and salt or pepper respectively.
If your eggs are sticking onto the bottom of the pot, simply swirl the water around it to loosen it up. It will release the eggs easily.
Alright that sums it all up! Hope this helps! Good luck with your eggs *winks*
