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cut open poached eggs on a breakfast plate

Perfect Poached Eggs

Chef Markus Mueller
Learn how to poach perfect eggs at home without the need for fancy tools or techniques. Great for brunch or when making Eggs Benedict.
3 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 8 poached eggs
Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 whole eggs
  • 1 splash white vinegar
  • 2 liters water

Instructions
 

  • Put a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a simmer. It's ok if it boils, you'll just need to let the water cool a little before starting.
  • Once you see bubbles forming on the bottom of the pot and rising to the surface in a stream, you're good to go.
  • Gently stir the simmering pot of water in one large circular motion, then crack the eggs into the water. You don't need to use a special dish, as long as the eggs are fresh and you can crack them quickly and without making a mess.
  • You'll see the egg white start to pull together and coagulate as it sets in the hot water. Cook the egg for at least 2 minutes.
  • Poach the eggs for 3 minutes for soft yolks, 4-5 minutes for medium yolks, or 6 minutes for hard yolks.
  • Once the eggs are finished poaching, remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon. Serve the eggs right away

Notes

If you see tendrils of egg floating off as you crack the egg into the water, this is ok. You'll see less of this with very fresh eggs, but the main white of the egg will still pull together around the yolk as it cooks.
Partway through the poaching, gently swish the water to make sure the eggs are not sticking to the bottom of the pot.
If you are poaching the eggs ahead of time to make serving Eggs Benedict easier and faster, prepare an ice bath in which you can cool the eggs.
Pre-poached eggs will last for 2 - 3 days in the fridge if kept in clean water. To re-heat pre-poached, cooled eggs, drop them back into simmering water for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 1kcalCarbohydrates: 0.01gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 1mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 0.004gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.02mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Keyword How long do you poach eggs for?, Is vinegar necessary for poached eggs?
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