Poached eggs can be made in a microwave in just two minutes, with no pan required. Food writer and Salt and Serenity founder Cindy has shared a simple method that uses boiling water, vinegar, and short cooking intervals to achieve a soft, intact result.
The Microwave Method
Cindy explained that she had never made poached eggs at home until a few weeks ago, as the traditional swirling-water technique seemed complicated. After seeing people make them in the microwave on Instagram, she experimented with over a dozen eggs before perfecting the process.
She said: "Poached eggs are not something I ever made at home until a few weeks ago. They always seemed so complicated to make. Swirling the simmering water into a vortex and then gently lowering the egg into this seemed like a recipe for disaster."
"But then I started seeing people making them in the microwave all over Instagram. I wondered if it could really work. It took me over a dozen eggs until I finally cracked the code! (a little egg humour there)."
What You Need
To make a microwave poached egg, you will need one large egg, 180ml of boiling hot water, and one teaspoon of vinegar. Any variety of vinegar works, as the acetic acid helps the egg proteins coagulate and hold their shape.
Begin by boiling the kettle and pouring the water into a heatproof bowl or mug. Stir in the vinegar, then crack the egg with a spoon and carefully transfer it into the container. Cover with a plate and microwave at around 80 per cent power for 30 seconds.
Cooking Tips and Timing
The exact cooking time varies depending on the microwave, and some trial and error may be needed. Avoid using full power, as this can set the yolk too quickly while leaving the whites undercooked.
After 30 seconds, remove the egg and gently turn it with a spoon so the yolk is encased in the whites. Cook for a further 10 seconds, and if it is still not set, continue in five-second intervals until fully cooked.
When done, drain the water and rest the egg on kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture. Do not microwave an egg in its shell, and take care when removing the bowl, as the water will be very hot.
