Poached eggs are a classic breakfast dish where eggs are cooked gently in simmering water, resulting in a soft, runny yolk encased in a firm but tender egg white.
Here’s a simple method for making poached eggs: Ingredients: Fresh eggs Water Vinegar (optional) Salt and pepper (to taste) Instructions: Fill a medium-sized saucepan with about 2-3 inches of water.
Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You want small bubbles to appear on the bottom of the pan, but you don’t want the water to come to a rolling boil. While the water is heating, crack a fresh egg into a small bowl or ramekin. This step helps ensure that the egg stays intact and makes it easier to slide into the water.
If desired, you can add a splash of vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well) to the simmering water. The vinegar helps coagulate the egg whites, resulting in a neater shape. However, this step is optional. Once the water is simmering, use a spoon to create a gentle whirlpool in the center of the pot. This swirling motion helps the egg white wrap around the yolk as it cooks. Carefully slide the cracked egg into the center of the swirling water.
You can also crack the egg directly into the water without swirling, but using the swirling method helps create a more uniform shape. Allow the egg to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes for a soft yolk, or longer if you prefer a firmer yolk. Keep an eye on the egg to ensure it doesn’t overcook. While the egg is cooking, you can prepare any additional toast, English muffins, or other accompaniments for serving.
Once the egg white is set and the yolk is cooked to your desired doneness, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the poached egg from the water. Gently blot the egg with a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess water. Season the poached egg with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. Repeat the process with additional eggs as needed.
Poached eggs are delicious served on their own, or you can enjoy them atop toast, English muffins, avocado toast, salads, or alongside other breakfast favorites like smoked salmon or sautéed spinach. Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your perfect poached egg dish!