Microwave Poached Eggs (2024)

Poached eggs are an elegant way to serve eggs. But stovetop poaching can be tricky for beginners. This easy microwave method takes the guesswork out of poaching eggs ideal for making everything fromeggs benedictor a quick weekday breakfast!

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I love fried eggs but there is something so lovely about poached eggs. They feel decedent but with my microwave method, you aren't even going to dirty a frying pan!

Perfect for youravocado toast. Plus, they make great additions to savory meals likenoodle bowlsand fried rice.

📖Why the Microwave Method Works

Foolproof Simplicity-With just a few minutes in the microwave, you'll have aperfect poached eggready to enjoy, making this technique perfect for busy mornings.

No Special Tools- all you need is amicrowave-safe mugorsmall ramekin.

Foolproof Simplicity-Even if you're a cooking novice, you'll achieve consistent results each time. This recipe's straightforward steps and minimal ingredients ensure success, no matter your skill level.

🧾What You Need to Poach Eggs

Fresh Eggs-Standard large eggs work perfectly.

​Tap Water

​Microwave-Safe Bowl-Your bowl should hold 6 to 8 ounces and be about 3 inches in diameter. Too wide the whites won't properly encase the yolk.

Do you need vinegar to poach eggs in the microwave?

Adding asplash of vinegarto the simmering water is a common trick when making traditional poached eggs. The acid of the vinegar causes theegg whiteto coagulate which helps the egg to hold its shape while it cooks.

Because you are using asmall bowlwhen using the microwave-poached egg method there is nowhere for the egg whites to go. Therefore, vinegar is an unnecessary step.

Should the water be hot or cold?

Whencooking eggsin the microwave it is unnecessary to boil the water first. It obviously takes away from the simplicity. I use lukewarm water. Thecook timeof your eggs will change slightly if you use hot orcold water.

⏲️How to Make Poached Eggs in the Microwave

Before we start it is important to note thatdifferent microwaveshave different levels of power. Alower wattagewill take longer to cook the egg than a higher-powered unit.

You will need to do a little experimenting to find theperfect cooking timefor yourown microwave.

Crack your egg into the bowl. Note the height of the egg in the bowl.

See Also

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Cover with water to 2x the original height, typically, about a ½ cup of water.

Microwave on high for one minute. Use aslotted spoonto remove the egg.

If you prefer afirmer yolkor the egg isn't fully cooked cook in 10 to 15 second increments until done.

You use the same bowl and water for thesecond egg,but it will cook 5 to 10 seconds faster.

Why did my egg explode in the microwave?

Egg-plosions happen because there is no escape route for steam, theegg yolkis stronger than the delicate egg whites, and uneven heating.

It happens from time to time. You can cover the bowl with a towel to prevent splatters.

Some people pierce theegg yolkwith asharp knife,but I am not a fan of this method as sometimes the creamy yolk escapes. Which for me defeats the purpose of making a poached egg.

🥗How to Serve Poached Eggs

Nestle the poached egg on a toastedEnglish muffinhalf, topping it with avocado slices for a satisfying breakfast.

Place the egg on a bed of sautéed spinach and drizzle with homemade romesco orhollandaise saucefor an elegant brunch option.

Serve with smoked salmon and sweet potatoes for a unique breakfast. Or to a roasted veggie sandwich for a delicious lunch.

Add to abowl of ramenor top fried rice or agrain bowlfor extra protein.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

1. Egg Freshness-Use eggs that are as fresh as possible to achieve the best poaching results.
2. Single Egg- Only make one egg at a time.
3. Clear Glass Bowl-A clear bowl makes it easier to see if there isenough waterto properly cover the egg.
4. Cover It Up-Place apaper towelover the dish to prevent splatters.

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🌡️Storing Leftovers

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh. However, leftover poached eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or by simmering inhot waterfor 20-30 seconds before serving.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. And be sure to check out more seasonal gluten-free recipes.

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