How To Poach the Perfect Egg

Lauren Caris Short

By Lauren Caris Short

Updated

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5 from 1 vote

Achieve breakfast perfection with this guide on How To Poach the Perfect Egg! From selecting fresh eggs to mastering the simmer, this easy recipe ensures a flawless poached egg every time.

two toasted bread with poached eggs and herbs on top

The first time I successfully poached an egg, I think I called my Mum it was so momentous.

I had to do a blog post straight away, so I posted this avocado brunch toast recipe, which has remained one of the most popular posts on my blog.

Since then SO many people have spoken to me about the woes involved in poaching an egg, so today I’m here to help you fix it!

I wanted to follow up on my previous post with a “how to” on poaching the perfect egg, but how do you translate that in pictures?

Sometimes I think you have to see something live to get it, so I hope you find this video useful!

I have included some more detailed instructions below to go alongside the video.

I promise you, after you have done this once and got it right, you will be a total pro EVERY time!

closse up imagae of the two toasted bread with poached eggs and herbs on top
two toasted bread with poached eggs and herbs on top
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Poached Egg

Achieve breakfast perfection with this guide on how to poach the perfect egg! From selecting fresh eggs to mastering the simmer, this easy recipe ensures a flawless poached egg every time.
Cook Time7 minutes
Simmer3 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, European
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 2
Calories: 63kcal

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan
  • 1 slotted spoon
  • 1 Small bowl

Ingredients

  • ½ tsp. white vinegar
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  • Bring a saucepan of water to a gentle simmer and add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar.
  • Crack the egg into a small bowl like a ramekin – this will make it much easier to transfer into the water.
  • Use a large spoon to vigorously swirl the simmering water so it is spinning in a whirlpool motion in one direction. Let the water settle for a few seconds then pour the egg right into the centre of the swirl. 
    TIP: Hold the bowl with the egg as close to the water as you can, if you pour the egg from too high it will splash and separate in the water creating a messy poached egg.
  • Leave the egg to simmer gently for 3 minutes for a runny yolk, 5 minutes for a soft yolk and 6-7 minutes for a hard yolk.
  • Remove the egg from the saucepan with the slotted spoon and place onto the kitchen paper to blot any excess water.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 61mg | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

How to Poach the Perfect Egg

You will need:
Saucepan
Slotted Spoon
White Vinegar
Eggs
Small Bowl
Plate lined with Kitchen Paper
Plate to Serve

Bring a saucepan of water to a gentle simmer and add 1/2 Teaspoon of white vinegar.

Crack the egg into a small bowl like a ramekin – this will make it much easier to transfer into the water.

Use a large spoon to vigorously swirl the simmering water so it is spinning in a whirlpool motion in one direction. Let the water settle for a few seconds then pour the egg right into the centre of the swirl. TIP: Hold the bowl with the egg as close to the water as you can, if you pour the egg from too high it will splash and separate in the water creating a messy poached egg.

Leave the egg to simmer gently for 3 minutes for a runny yolk, 5 minutes for a soft yolk, and 6-7 minutes for a hard yolk.

Remove the egg from the saucepan with the slotted spoon and place it onto the kitchen paper to blot any excess water.

Serve immediately.

two toasted bread with poached eggs and herbs on top

Images by Lauren Caris Short.

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0 thoughts on “How To Poach the Perfect Egg”

  1. Hi there Lauren :-) A mutual friend, Carmela, told me about you and since we are both Bloggers I thought it would be great to connect. Love your blog, photos and you might have just convinced me that poached eggs are the way to go :-)

    Reply
    • Hi! Thanks for the comment!! I will head over and check out your blog but yes let’s! By the way I have to approve comments on here so you won’t see it straight away when you submit :)

  2. Great video. I’ve never been very successful at poaching eggs but I’ll give it another go with your tips. Thank you! :)

    Reply
  3. Love the video!! I cook a lot but I’ve actually never poached an egg. The video is so helpful and the food looks delicious, as always :).

    Reply
    • Thanks Amy!! Let me know if you try it! Really once you have done it once it is the easiest thing in the world :)

  4. Lauren, oh my goodness this looks so fancy! i cannot cook at all so i really appreciate the helpful video. i can totally impress my friends and family now. I’ve pinned and will share on FB later today. Hope your day is a happy one! Hugs, CoCo

    Reply
    • I am so glad you liked it!! I am sure your friends and family will love your eggs! Today is a very happy day, hope yours is the same! Lauren

  5. I love eggs, cooked all different ways, but I’ve never tried to poach my own. Thanks so much for the tips and video. I’m pinning so I remember how to do it later. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Thank you! I love eggs all ways as well but if I had to pick a favourite, I think poaching would be it!