Taste.com.au’s guide for poaching eggs

Poached eggs are among the healthiest foods you can have for breakfast - or indeed any meal. It may seem daunting to get them perfect, but with our five simple tips you’ll be cooking awesome googlies every time.

2 min read

January 13, 2024 - 9:25AM

How to make kale and chilli pesto poached eggs

If you’re cooking for a crowd, these tips for poaching several eggs at once are bound to come in handy.

Poaching is a method of cooking food in barely simmering liquid. Poaching is one of the best methods for cooking healthy eggs.

How to poach several eggs at once

Step 1: Crack each egg into a separate small bowl or ramekin. This makes it easier to slide the eggs gently into the water.

Step 2: Bring a large deep frying pan of water to the boil. Slide in eggs, 1 at a time. Cover. Set aside for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain excess water.

Bring a large deep frying pan of water to the boil and slide in the eggs.

Tips for poaching several eggs at once

1: Use fresh eggs for poaching as the egg white will be at its thickest and produce a good shape.

2: Adding vinegar to the water will help to set the egg white quickly.

3: Adding salt to the water will creates poached eggs with ‘wispy’ sides.

4: Using a deeper pot to poach eggs will create a more spherical egg, whereas a fry pan will create a flatter shaped egg

5: Use smaller-sized eggs for poaching because they have thicker whites and are less likely to split apart.

How long to poach an egg

Poaching eggs for 2-3 minutes will create a semi-soft yolk. For a firmer set yolk, cook eggs for 3-4 minutes. Remember that if you plan to poach a batch of eggs ahead of time and reheat later, reheating may firm up the eggs more than when initially cooked.

Poaching eggs for 2-3 minutes will create a semi-soft yolk.

How to make poached eggs in the microwave

It’s easy to make several poached eggs at once in the microwave. You will need 1 straight-sided microwave-safe teacup per egg, or a silicone muffin container.

METHOD

Brush teacup or muffin container with melted butter to lightly grease. Crack the eggs into the utensil.

Carefully pierce each egg yolk twice with a toothpick. Cover the teacups or muffin container with damp paper towel.

Place on an elevated microwave-safe rack or upturned saucer (about 2cm off the turntable).

Cook on Medium-Low or Defrost for 1 1/2 minutes for 1 egg; 2 1/2 minutes for 2 eggs; and 4 minutes for 4 eggs

Set aside for 20-30 seconds before serving, as the eggs will continue to cook.

Poached eggs are healthy and packed with protein. Picture AAPImage/David Clark

Can you poach eggs ahead of time

After you have poached the eggs, place them in ice water in a bowl and cover with cling film. They can last in the fridge for 4-5 days. When you are ready to use, add some hot water to another bowl and place the poached egg inside until it heats. (Approximately 20-30 seconds.)