Buzz
Photo: Ian Laker/Getty ImagesPoached eggs are considered a pinnacle of egg preparation, but achieving the perfect poached egg can be a bit challenging. Some methods include adding vinegar to simmering water, swirling, straining, salting, or simply choosing the method that suits you best. When you're pressed for time on a busy morning and craving a nutritious yet indulgent breakfast, poaching eggs in the microwave is a quick and easy solution. If you're not up for boiling water or fussing over your egg, give microwave poaching a try.
For this technique, large eggs—preferably free-range if possible—yield the best results. However, depending on the power of your microwave and personal preferences, any egg size should work fine.
What You’ll Need
Materials
Tools / Equipment
- 1 coffee mug
- 1 toothpick
- microwave
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 egg
Instructions
Get Your Mug Ready
Fill an 8-ounce mug with tap water, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
Always use hot water, not cold, when prepping your mug for the microwave. Hot water ensures the egg cooks evenly and minimizes the risk of undercooking.
Crack the Egg
Crack an egg into the mug filled with water. Use a toothpick to gently puncture the yolk to prevent it from bursting in the microwave. The yolk should stay intact without leaking out.
Microwave
Place the mug in the microwave for one minute. Once done, use a spoon to carefully lift the egg out of the water and set it on a paper towel or serve it immediately.
Allow the Egg to Rest
If the egg whites are not completely set after one minute, let the egg sit in the hot water-filled mug for an additional 30 seconds. If it's still not fully cooked, microwave it for another 10 seconds at a time until done.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Poached Eggs
Now that you've mastered the art of poaching an egg in the microwave, here are some helpful tips to ensure you get it just right every time.
- Poaching eggs is tricky business, and this method isn’t foolproof, in part, because every microwave is different. If you’re having trouble nailing this recipe, try pouring the water into the mug and microwaving it without the egg for 60 seconds first. Then, add the egg and proceed as normal. This can help account for some of the microwave variability.
- This method works best with fresh eggs, as opposed to eggs that have been sitting in your refrigerator for a week or two. As eggs age, the whites become runnier, which means they may poach unevenly.
- Poking a hole in the yolk should prevent it from exploding in the microwave, but if you want to be extra careful you can place a small plate or plastic wrap over the top of the mug before microwaving it. That way, even if the yolk does explode, the mess will be confined to the mug.
- As you'll see, microwave poached eggs yield a slightly runny yolk. If you prefer your yolk to be more solid and cooked, just leave the egg in the warm water for a few extra seconds so it can firm up.
- As you get comfortable with this microwave egg-poaching method, feel free to experiment with various shaped mugs. Wider mugs result in a flatter poached egg (perfect to top an English muffin or toast) while slimmer mugs can yield a more traditional round poached egg.
And that's it! No vinegar, swirling motions, or other techniques required.
Recipes With Poached Eggs
Congratulations, you can poach an egg in one minute flat! Now what? There are so many ways to use poached eggs—from savory toasts to a ramen add-on. Check out these recipes with poached eggs to try,
Eggs Benedict
Debby Lewis-Harrison/Getty ImagesIf you're searching for more ways to enjoy poached eggs, why not try the classic brunch dish—eggs Benedict?
Not a fan of eggs Benedict? You can still put your new microwave poaching method to use by making Skillet-Poached Huevos Rancheros instead.
Summer Squash Farro Bowl
Caitlin BenselFor what it's worth, poached eggs also pair wonderfully with a bowl of homemade ramen, or as a topping for a hearty grain bowl like the one shown above.
Carbonara Pizza
Jen CauseyPoached eggs make a delicious topping for a homemade pizza. For a particularly egg-friendly option, try this Carbonara-inspired pizza recipe.
