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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Eggs

    How To Make a Perfect Poached Egg

    Published: Jun 21, 2014 · Modified: Sep 14, 2021 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links · 83 Comments

    251 shares
    • 46
    Diet: Gluten Free / Vegetarian
    Jump to Recipe
    Poached eggs on various topped bagels with a text title overay.

    Follow these simple tips on how to make the Perfect Poached Egg. With tips and tricks to make your poached egg perfect every time.

    Bagel halves topped with cream cheese, bacon, guacamole and salmon all with a poached egg.

    I could eat poached eggs for breakfast every day and never get bored, I love them, but they have to be done right and for me that means a running yolk. Don't like a runny yolk? Just cook them for longer!

    My favourite way to eat poached eggs? Usually on toast with smoked salmon, avocado and chives. It is pretty much my perfect meal. I also get asked if eggs are bad and how many I eat a day.

    Firstly, no, eggs are not bad. The cholesterol that eggs contain has almost no affect on your body. Your cholesterol levels are affected more by saturated and trans fats. So, eat eggs with confidence that your cholesterol won't be affected. Do be aware of what you are eating your eggs with though.

    Eggs are awesome! Make sure you always go for good quality free range eggs. And the fresher, the better.

    Jump to:
    • Why make poached eggs?
    • Step by step
    • What eggs to use
    • Sieve method
    • What to serve poached eggs with
    • FAQs
    • More egg recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why make poached eggs?

    • Ready in a few minutes
    • Only 78 calories in each egg
    • A good source of proteins and vitamins (including vitamin D)
    • Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner

    Step by step

    Step 1: It is best to use eggs that are room temperature, so remove your eggs from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking.

    Five eggs in a green bowl with a sixth egg next to the bowl.

    Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a large pan (you can use any vinegar, but I find rice vinegar works best)and add boiling water. Add a generous pinch of sea salt to the water.

    The vinegar and salt are the key part to this, as it is the vinegar that keeps the whites together and helps you get a perfect poached egg. You can't taste the vinegar when eating the eggs either.

    The salt makes the water more dense, therefore lifting the eggs off the bottom of the pan and prevents them from sticking.

    Bring the water back to the boil.

    Step 2: Here's the clever bit! Using a spoon, gently place the whole uncracked eggs into the boiling water for 30 seconds each. This will partially boil the outer part of the egg white, making the egg more stable and less likely to spread out when cracked into the water.

    If the water isn't deep enough to cover the egg, rotate it over after 15 seconds and boil for another 15 seconds. IMPORTANT: Do not boil the eggs for more than 30 seconds.

    A frying pan full of water with four whole eggs in it.

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the pan and turn the heat down to a gentle simmer.

    Step 3: Use a sharp, heavy knife to break the egg shell and gently crack the egg into the simmering water. Hold the egg as close to the surface of the water as you can, without scalding your hands. Open the cracked egg just enough for the yolk to drop out, pulling the white with it.

    An egg being cracked into a pan of water.

    You can also add the egg to a cup or ramekin and gently pour it in, but I have more success with just cracking it in.

    Step 4: Cook the eggs on a gentle simmer for 3 minutes. If you want a hard yolk, cook it for 1 minute longer. Turn the heat off but leave the eggs in the water for an additional minute.

    A cracked egg poaching in a pan.

    Step 5: Use a flat, slotted spatula to remove the eggs from the pan and place them on kitchen paper. This will absorb any water from the egg, meaning you won't get soggy toast!

    Next, hold the edge of the spatula next to the egg and using the edge of the kitchen paper, gently flip the egg onto the spatula so it is upside down. Use your finger to gently press the underneath of the yolk to test if it is cooked to your liking. If not, return to the water for another 30-60 seconds. 

    What eggs to use

    The fresher, the better. Fresh eggs hold together better and they also taste better. With eggs, you do get what you pay for, so make sure you use a good quality, free-range egg.

    Sieve method

    The method used in this how-to uses a pre-boiling technique. Instead of this, if you have a very fine mesh sieve, crack the eggs into the mesh over a bowl to remove the thinner egg white. The thicker white will remain around the egg, where you can then transfer the egg to another bowl or straight into the pan to cook. However, you need to be extremely careful with the sieve method as the yolks can easily break.

    What to serve poached eggs with

    Poached eggs are delicious just on some simple buttered toast with a pinch of salt and pepper. Maybe add some hot sauce for a little kick of heat. To take it further, why not add some smashed avocado to the toast? Maybe some smoked salmon? Or some wilted spinach.

    Here are some other things that you can add a poached egg to:

    • They are great in a bacon sandwich
    • Add one to a burger
    • Put one on top of a pizza
    • Top a salad with a poached egg
    • Make a simple spaghetti dish using our easy pasta sauce and top with a poached egg
    • Shakshuka is a way of poaching eggs in a spicy tomato sauce - great for breakfast, lunch or dinner
    • Huevos Rancheros - a traditional Mexican breakfast that can use poach or fried egg
    • Top a comforting stew with a poached egg
    • Add it to the top of Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) instead of the traditional omelette.

    FAQs

    Can you make poached eggs in advance?

    Yes you can. If you are preparing poached eggs in advance, make sure you have a large bowl of iced water ready. Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove from the pan and transfer to the iced water. This will stop the cooking process immediately and keep them just right. You can keep them like this in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, put some hot water in a bowl and put the eggs in it for 20-30 seconds, until warmed through.

    More egg recipes

    • Courgette mint and feta frittata in a pan on a burlap mat.
      Courgette, Mint and Feta Frittata
    • Huevos Rancheros next to an avocado half and bowl of salsa
      Huevos Rancheros
    • A white plate with a portion of Shakshuka
      Shakshuka
    • A slice of Spanish omelette on a plate with vine tomatoes and green salad leaves
      Tortilla (Spanish Omelette)

    If you’ve tried this perfect poached egg recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Two poached eggs, one on a bacon bagel, one on an avocado bagel.

    How To Make The Perfect Poached Egg

    By: Dannii Martin
    Follow these simple tips on how to make the Perfect Poached Egg. With tips and tricks to make your poached egg perfect every time.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
    Vegetarian
    5 from 3 votes
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Breakfast, Lunch
    Cuisine: British
    Prep: 2 minutes mins
    Cook: 3 minutes mins
    Total: 5 minutes mins
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 127kcal
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a cracked egg.
    Eggs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 Eggs - (free range are best)
    • Water - boiled
    • 1 tablespoon Vinegar - (rice vinegar is best)
    • Sea salt

    Instructions

    • It is best to use eggs that are room temperature, so remove your eggs from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking.
    • Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a large pan (you can use any vinegar, but I find rice vinegar works best) and add boiling water. Add a generous pinch of sea salt to the water.
      The vinegar and salt are the key part to this, as it is the vinegar that keeps the whites together and helps you get a perfect poached egg. You can't taste the vinegar when eating the eggs either. The salt makes the water more dense, therefore lifting the eggs off the bottom of the pan and prevents them from sticking.
    • Bring the water back to the boil.
    • Here's the clever bit! Using a spoon, gently place the whole uncracked eggs into the boiling water for 30 seconds each. This will partially boil the outer part of the egg white, making the egg more stable and less likely to spread out when cracked into the water.
      If the water isn't deep enough to cover the egg, rotate it over after 15 seconds and boil for another 15 seconds. IMPORTANT: Do not boil the eggs for more than 30 seconds.
      Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the pan and turn the heat down to a gentle simmer.
    • Use a sharp, heavy knife to break the egg shell and gently crack the egg into the simmering water. Hold the egg as close to the surface of the water as you can, without scalding your hands. Open the cracked egg just enough for the yolk to drop out, pulling the white with it.
      You can also add the egg to a cup or ramekin and gently pour it in, but I have more success with just cracking it in.
    • Cook the eggs on a gentle simmer for 3 minutes. If you want a hard yolk, cook it for 1 minute longer. Turn the heat off but leave the eggs in the water for an additional minute.
    • Use a flat, slotted spatula to remove the eggs from the pan and place them on kitchen paper. This will absorb any water from the egg, meaning you won't get soggy toast!
    • Next, hold the edge of the spatula next to the egg and using the edge of the kitchen paper, gently flip the egg onto the spatula so it is upside down. Use your finger to gently press the yolk to test if it is cooked to your liking. If not, return to the water for another 30-60 seconds.
    • Serve on top of smoked salmon, avocado or both on toast.

    Nutritional Information

    Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 327mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 122mg | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jenn

      June 21, 2014 at 2:25 pm

      I find the fresher the egg the less likely it is to all go to pieces. I don't use vinegar just the freshest eggs I can get and it seems to work perfectly.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 22, 2014 at 5:56 pm

        Yes, fresh eggs help too, but I don't always have super fresh eggs on hand, so this is what I do instead :)

        Reply
    2. Jan Robinson

      June 21, 2014 at 1:26 pm

      I am not a fan of a running yolk myself, so I will cook it for a little longer. I am not sure what it is about the yolk, but even when I was a child I never enjoyed it with my soldiers.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 22, 2014 at 5:56 pm

        I have seen a few people say that, but it is the only way for me to eat eggs.

        Reply
    3. Louisa

      June 21, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      Thanks for the tutorial. I am almost annoyed that it is that simple and I never knew about it. Any idea on what it is about the vinegar that helps the whites stay together?

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 22, 2014 at 5:57 pm

        It is the acid in the vinegar. You can use lemon juice too.

        Reply
    4. Catorina

      June 21, 2014 at 1:24 pm

      Yolk porn! <3

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 22, 2014 at 5:57 pm

        It's the only way to eat eggs!

        Reply
    5. Beccy

      June 21, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      I second the request for tutorials. Things like how to cook perfect brown rice and quinoa would be good.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 22, 2014 at 5:57 pm

        I shall add it to the list :)

        Reply
    6. Elizabeth

      June 21, 2014 at 1:20 pm

      Your poached eggs do always look so perfect. Especially the yolk.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 22, 2014 at 5:58 pm

        Thank you! I pride myself on a perfect poached egg.

        Reply
    7. Kerry

      June 21, 2014 at 12:30 pm

      I would love some more How To guides for other things, like chopping and other cooking techniques. I am not a very good cook at all, but I would love to learn and I like how you explain things in a simple way. Just thought I would suggest it :)

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:33 pm

        Thanks for the suggestion :) It is a feature I have actually thought about doing, so I will start putting some ideas together.

        Reply
    8. Heather Haigh

      June 21, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Great guide - I always wondered what the vinegar was for - now I'm dying to know the science behind how it works but I guess from the point of view of a good poached egg - if it works, it works.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:35 pm

        The acidic environment acts on the albumin in the egg white to solidify it. You can use lemon juice too.

        Reply
    9. Katy

      June 21, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      Yum! Great photo. I love eggs every kind of way. They are a super food IMHO.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:35 pm

        Thanks :) They really are a super food.

        Reply
    10. Cat

      June 21, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      I love poached eggs but I've never been able to perfect them! I even bought a special pan but they turn them into really awful McDonald-esque shapes ;) I've heard the fresher the eggs the better too.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:35 pm

        I get that shape when I make them in a muffin tin in the oven, but I prefer doing them in the pan. Yes, the fresher the better!

        Reply
    11. Jayne Fielding

      June 21, 2014 at 12:04 pm

      Great tutorial. I read about the vinegar tip a few years ago and was sceptical, but it works!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm

        It is amazing that something so simple can help.

        Reply
    12. Laura

      June 21, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      Poached eggs and avocado is my favourite way to eat eggs. The combination is yummy.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm

        Avocado on anything is delicious :)

        Reply
    13. Amy

      June 21, 2014 at 11:53 am

      Ooh I love poached eggs, and this is a great guide! They're good for you and help get your brain going, too!
      Amy x

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm

        Definitely brain food!

        Reply
    14. Carly

      June 21, 2014 at 11:51 am

      I could eat that up right now. Thanks for sharing how you get them to look so perfect.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm

        Sorry, I ate it all first :D

        Reply
    15. Catherine Culmer

      June 21, 2014 at 11:50 am

      My hubby makes the like this - I like the simple way. I use a glass jug and the microwave

      Cat
      http://www.rockandrollpussycat.co.uk

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm

        I haven't done them in the microwave before.

        Reply
    16. Nadine

      June 21, 2014 at 11:43 am

      Thank you! I love poached eggs and always order them when we go out for breakfast, but I just can't seem to get them right myself. I have never heard about using vinegar, so hopefully that will help :)

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:37 pm

        Give it a try and come back and let us know how you got on.

        Reply
    17. Yvonne

      June 21, 2014 at 11:40 am

      You need to come and make me breakfast Dannii, this looks incredible.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:37 pm

        Maybe I should start a breakfast delivery service haha

        Reply
    18. Annabeth

      June 21, 2014 at 11:30 am

      That DOES look like the perfect breakfast. I love some poached eggs, but I "cheat" and use the holders.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:37 pm

        I have never been able to get them to "set" that way.

        Reply
    19. Tiffany

      June 21, 2014 at 11:21 am

      I saw you post this advice on Instagram a couple of months ago and I have been making them this was ever since and it really goes make a difference. I also find that if the pan is too big (for just making a couple of eggs), the whites tend to spread. So I use a small pan if just making them for myself.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:38 pm

        I am glad that my tip helped :)

        Reply
    20. Sue

      June 21, 2014 at 11:19 am

      Who knew that vinegar was the secret ingredient! Thanks for the tip Dannii.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        June 21, 2014 at 12:38 pm

        Not so secret now ;)

        Reply
        • Michelle

          July 04, 2014 at 11:36 pm

          I love poached eggs and many years ago my grandmother taught me the vinegar trick. I could eat them every day! Runny yolks for me too, please. Love them with feta cheese and sautéed spinach.

          Reply
          • Dannii

            July 06, 2014 at 3:39 pm

            It has to be a runny yolk. Oh, and everything is better with feta!

            Reply
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