How do I poach an egg?
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Poached eggs are easy to prepare. There are eggs poaching pans you can purchase for 2, 4, or 6 eggs. Stovetop poaching pans can be stainless steel or non-stick coated. There are microwavable egg poachers, and silicone inserts available in kitchen supply stores and online. You can make perfect poached eggs in a simple saucepan with no special equipment also.
Here’s how:
- Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. The water should be deep enough to completely submerge the egg, but not so deep that it touches the bottom of the pan.
- Crack the egg into a small bowl or cup.
- Add a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to the water. This helps to coagulate the egg whites and keep them from spreading out in the pan.
- Gently pour the egg into the simmering water.
- Using a slotted spoon or spatula, gently push the egg whites towards the yolk to help them retain their shape.
- Cook the egg for about 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolk has reached the desired level of doneness.
- Carefully remove the egg from the water using a slotted spoon or spatula and drain any excess water from the egg.
- Serve the poached egg immediately, or transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process if you plan to use it later.
You can use the same method to poach multiple eggs at once, just be sure to give each egg plenty of room in the pan so they don’t crowd each other.
What dishes do poached eggs go with?
- English muffins classic dishes, along with avocado, bacon, ham, or smoked salmon.
- Salads, such as spinach or kale salad.
- Rice bowls and ramen soup, along with vegetables, beans, and a variety of sauces.
- Sandwiches, such as burgers, or avocado toast.
- There are many other dishes with poached eggs, and they can be served as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner dish.
