Poached Eggs
Poached eggs are a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy a protein-packed meal with creamy yolks and tender whites. Perfect for busy mornings or light lunches, this recipe offers a versatile base with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, suitable for pairing with toast, salads, or grains.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 1-2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Basic Ingredients
- Fresh eggs (as many as desired)
- 3 to 4 inches of water for poaching
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Water: Fill a shallow saucepan or deep skillet with about 3 to 4 inches of water. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat—you want small bubbles, not a rolling boil, to ensure delicate egg whites.
- Add Vinegar: Optional but helpful: add one tablespoon of white vinegar to the water. This encourages the egg whites to firm up more quickly, resulting in a neater poach without changing flavor.
- Crack the Eggs: Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin to avoid shell fragments and make the transfer to the water gentler, ensuring the white wraps around the yolk nicely.
- Create a Water Whirlpool: Using a spoon, stir the water gently in a circular motion to create a vortex. This swirl helps the egg white wrap settle beautifully around the yolk, forming a tidy shape.
- Poach the Eggs: Carefully slide the egg from the bowl into the center of the whirlpool. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes for a runny yolk, or longer if you prefer firmer eggs.
- Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift each egg out of the water. Place them on a paper towel or kitchen cloth to drain excess water before seasoning and serving.
Notes
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest eggs possible to get tight whites and fully rounded shapes.
- Temperature Control: Keep water just below boiling for gentle cooking that prevents cracking or spreading.
- One at a Time: Poach eggs individually for best control unless using a large pan at once.
- Use Vinegar Wisely: Just a tablespoon per liter of water is enough to help without altering flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Bowl: Cracking eggs into a separate vessel makes adding them to water cleaner and easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 eggs
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
Keywords: poached eggs, easy breakfast, healthy eggs, protein breakfast, quick eggs, simple eggs, egg recipes