Learn how to poach an egg at home. Use poached eggs on Eggs Benedict or serve them on a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Let's see a show of how of hands for how many of you quake with fear at the thought of poaching an egg. I fully admit that, up until about six months ago, I would have raised two hands. Poaching eggs was a task that should be left to the professionals. Each time I attempted the seemingly impossible skill, creeping tendrils of egg white would fill the pot, or the yolk would be hard as a rock. The eggs were getting the best of me and the little control freak sitting on my shoulder was not okay with that.

When I went on a trip with the kind people at the American Egg Board (you know, the Incredible Egg people), Jeffrey Saad (host of the Cooking Channel's United Tastes of America), showed us how to achieve a perfect, runny poached egg every time out of the gate. It was probably a skill he learned on day one of culinary school but, to me, it made the man a verified genius!

Come on, who can resist getting their picture taken in an egg chair?

By using a large skillet rather than a pot, this method gives you more control over the eggs. A touch of vinegar is added to help keep long tendrils of egg white under control. And the timing? Three minutes every time - it works like a charm.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes using poached eggs:

How to poach an egg:

STEP 1: Fill a large skillet with water to three-quarters full and set over medium heat. Bring to the water to a simmer, add 1 teaspoon vinegar (any kind will do), and a couple pinches of salt.

Why?
Vinegar is used to speed up coagulation, which will stop the egg from spreading through the water. The salt is added for seasoning, and is optional. If you prefer, season after removing the eggs from the water.

STEP 2: Crack the eggs directly into the water. Make sure the water remains at a simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary.

Why?
Many people recommend cracking the egg into a small bowl, and then sliding the egg into the water. However, if you take care not to break the yolk, it is easier to crack the egg directly into the water. Just go for it!

STEP 3: Cook for 3 minutes to achieve a perfectly poached egg. Using a slotted spoon, remove each egg from the water and blot on a paper towel to remove excess water before transferring to serving plate.

Why?
No one likes soggy toast or English muffins, so be sure not to skip this step.

If you are making poached eggs for a crowd, they can be made ahead of time. When first poaching, the eggs should be undercooked, for 2 minutes. Store the eggs in a bowl of ice water in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. Before serving, use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs from the bowl into gently simmering water. Leave in the water for 1 minute, then remove, following directions above.

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How to Poach an Egg

Learn how to poach an egg at home. Use poached eggs on Eggs Benedict or serve them on a green salad or roasted vegetables.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast, How To

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cooking Tutorials

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: eggs

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vinegar such as white vinegar or white wine vinegar
Pinch of salt optional (See Note)

Instructions

Fill a large skillet with water to three-quarters full and set over medium heat. Bring to the water to a simmer, add 1 teaspoon vinegar (any kind will do), and a couple pinches of salt.
Crack the eggs directly into the water. Make sure the water remains at a simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary.
Cook for 3 minutes to achieve a perfectly poached egg. Using a slotted spoon, remove each egg from the water and blot on a paper towel to remove excess water before transferring to serving plate.

Notes

The salt is added for seasoning, and is optional. If you prefer, season after removing the eggs from the water.

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

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