by Microwave-poached eggs are so quick and easy! This step-by-step recipe walks you through how to poach an egg in the microwave.
Poached eggs are intimidating, and many of us who have attempted to perfect the technique at home have ended up with a mess of stringy egg strands floating in vinegary water.
Read on for more information about microwave egg poaching.
Table of Contents
What You Need for Microwave Egg Poaching
You don’t need any special equipment to nuke an egg. In my opinion, you already have everything you require in your kitchen. Pull out:
- A dish that can be heated in the microwave; this can be a ramekin, bowl, or mug as long as it holds at least 6 ounces.
- You can use plastic wrap, a microwave-safe saucer, parchment paper, or even paper towel to cover the dish. For the last two options, make sure to tuck the paper towel under the dish on both sides to catch any sputters.
- A microwave: Keep in mind that microwaves’ power and cooking times can vary, so start with my timing and tweak it as necessary to get the perfect poached egg.
- You can directly boil tap water in a microwave oven or a kettle.
How to Poach An Egg in the Microwave?
If desired, add a splash of vinegar and 1/3 cup water to a mug or small bowl that is microwave-safe. It is not necessary to add vinegar, but it will improve how well the egg combines.
- Step 2
Make sure the egg is completely submerged in water and crack it gently into the mug or bowl. To avoid any explosions, make sure to pierce the egg yolk with a fork or toothpick.
- Step 3
Use a small microwave-safe plate to cover your mug or bowl and microwave on high for one minute. The yolk should still be runny but the egg white should be set. If the egg white is still runny, microwave it for an additional 10 seconds at a time until you are satisfied with the doneness. It’s important to keep in mind that, in contrast to poaching eggs on the stovetop, the yolk usually cooks in the microwave more quickly than the white. You might want to remove your egg from the oven a little earlier if you prefer a softer white.
- Step 4
The egg should be taken out of the water with a slotted spoon and placed on a plate. Sprinkle on a little salt and pepper, or, my personal favorite, Sriracha. Enjoy deliciously on toast, in a salad, or by itself.
Why Do Eggs Sometimes Explode in the Microwave?
Because the proteins on the outside cook and are set more quickly than those on the inside, which are still liquid, eggs can burst in the microwave.
Steam is produced as the liquid warms up. Pressure builds inside the egg because the steam encounters a hard surface while attempting to evaporate upward.
When the pressure reaches a critical level, the steam bursts through the set egg and pieces of the yolk may fly.
Read More: Best Way to Clean Microwave
How to Serve Them?
For a protein-packed breakfast, serve your perfect poached eggs on an english muffin, toast with butter, in a fancy benedict on a bare plate with some salt and crusty bread to mop up the silky egg yolk.
For lunch or dinner, serve them on a bed of sauteed greens, on a salad, on pasta as a take on carbonara, on fried rice, or on burgers (if you’re feeling extra).
Final Words on How to Poach An Egg in the Microwave
Most of us are adept at making the basic egg preparations, including sunny-side-up, over-easy, and scrambled. But when you’re craving a perfect poached egg, with a just set, silky white and a soft, warm center, it’s tempting to throw in the apron and the slotted spoon and let a professional handle your order.
You should now be able to poach an egg in the microwave. Large eggs—preferably free-range—work best for this method, but any size can work depending on your microwave’s power and how you like to prepare eggs.
You May Also Like:
