Discover the secret of achieving a perfectly poached egg. Perfect timing and technique result in a creamy yolk and delicate white.
If you’re a fan of eggs, you’ll love poached eggs! This amazing cooking method involves simmering an egg in water without its shell, which results in an egg with a beautifully delicate and tender texture and a runny yolk. Poached eggs are a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, and even as a topping for salads. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a healthier alternative to fried eggs. In this article, I share with you my method for poaching eggs. It’s super easy, and I guarantee you’ll get the perfect poached egg every time. If you’ve struggled with poaching eggs in the past, don’t worry; I’ve got your back! Just follow my method, and you’ll be a pro in no time. So, let’s get cracking and make some delicious poached eggs together!
Why Are Poached Eggs Popular
One of the main reasons why poached eggs are so popular is their delicate and silky texture. When done right, the egg whites should be firm yet tender while the yolk remains gloriously runny. This unique texture is hard to achieve with other cooking methods, which makes poached eggs a favourite among food enthusiasts.
According to Cult.fit, the term poached originates from the French word poché, which means small pouch or pocket. Poaching is an ancient cooking technique used to prepare different delicacies like dumplings and nut custard.
Versatility
Poached eggs are incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy them in a variety of ways. Whether served on a slice of toast, as a topping for eggs Benedict, or nestled atop a salad, poached eggs add a touch of elegance to any dish.
Health Benefits
Unlike fried eggs, poached eggs are cooked without added fat, making them healthier. They are also a good source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.
What do you need to make a perfect poached egg
Ingredients:
- egg
- white vinegar or cider vinegar optional
- a pot with boiling water
NOTE:
Adding a splash of white vinegar to the simmering water can help the egg whites coagulate faster, resulting in a neater shape. This step is optional but can be helpful for beginners.
How to poach an egg
1/ Fill a medium-sized saucepan with about 3 inches (8cm) of water.
2/ Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You should see tiny bubbles forming at the bottom of the pan.
3/ Crack a fresh egg into a small bowl or ramekin to make it easier to slide the egg into the water.
4/ Add a splash of white or cider vinegar to the boiling water.
5/ Gently swirl the simmering water in the saucepan with a spoon to create a whirlpool. This motion will help the egg whites wrap around the yolk as it cooks.
6/ Then carefully slide the cracked egg into the centre of the swirling water. The whirlpool motion will help the egg maintain its perfect shape.
7/ Let the egg slowly simmer for about 2-3 minutes for a runny yolk or 4 minutes for a firmer yolk.
8/ Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the poached egg out of the water and let any excess water drain.
NOTE:
For better results, you can also put the egg in a fine colander in step 3 to let the runniest part of the egg white drip off.
Poached egg serving ideas
- For a satisfying breakfast or brunch option, serve a poached egg on a bed of creamy avocado toast topped with chilli flakes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Place the poached egg atop a green salad.
- Or add it to a flavourful quinoa and roasted vegetable salad, adding a burst of richness when the yolk mingles with the warm grains and vegetables.
- Incorporate the poached egg into a classic Egg Benedict, pairing it with bacon and hollandaise sauce.
- Try adding your perfectly poached egg to a bowl of piping hot broth, allowing the rich yolk to enhance its savoury flavour.
- Another idea is to serve a poached egg on top of chilli con carne to add a delicious and luxurious touch to those dishes.
- Last but not least, top your ratatouille with a poached egg or two to elevate it to a completely different level.
Looking to jazz up your meals with something delicious and healthy? Poached eggs are a must-try! This simple cooking method is not just easy to master, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to your dishes. Just picture yourself serving perfectly poached eggs like a pro – your friends and family will certainly be impressed.
Elevate your breakfast (or any meal) by mastering the art of poaching an egg. It’s a delightful and nutritious treat that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. So, why wait? Get cracking and start poaching those eggs today!
Make poached egg instead of fried egg for the EASY BREAKFAST (EGGS AND AVOCADO) recipe.
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POACHED EGG (HOW TO COOK)
Cooking Tools
- sauce pan
- slotted spoon
- ramekin or small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp White vinegar - or Cider vinegar
Instructions
- Boil the water.
- Break the egg into a ramekin or small bowl.
- Add vinegar into boiling water and gently swirl to create the whirlpool effect.1 tsp White vinegar
- Carefully slide the cracked egg into the centre of the swirling water. For a better result, you can additionally put the egg in a fine colander to let the runniest part of the egg white drip off.1 Egg
- Then carefully slide the cracked egg into the centre of the swirling water. The whirlpool motion will help the egg maintain its shape.
- Let the egg cook in a lightly simmering water for about 2-3 minutes for a runny yolk or 4 minutes for a firmer yolk.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the poached egg out of the water and let any excess water drain off.
- Put it on the top of your favourite meal or eat on it's own or with some lettuce.