A chef has revealed an easy step-by-step guide on how we can use one everyday kitchen appliance to make the perfect poached eggs in just one minute
For many of us, a poached egg on toast is the ideal way to kick-start the day. Despite being a healthy and tasty breakfast choice, we often encounter hiccups during the cooking process.
The typical method for poaching an egg involves cracking it and pouring it from the shell into boiling water on the hob.
Even if we manage to navigate this step without the common concern of the egg splitting in the water, we’re then tasked with the delicate job of taking it out without damaging the egg whites.
However, Mary Ann, also known as the Frugal Chef on YouTube, has recently revealed her fail-safe method for perfecting this breakfast staple.
Initially, she recommends adding half a cup of room-temperature water to a ramekin, followed by a sprinkle of salt before cracking the egg into it.
Initially, she recommends adding half a cup of room-temperature water to a ramekin, followed by a sprinkle of salt before cracking the egg into it.
While Mary cooked her egg for one minute, she clarified that the exact timing depends on both personal preference and the type of microwave being used. She stated: “Every microwave is different—mine is one minute and it’s perfect.
“So if you want to start playing with this, I’d suggest beginning at 45 seconds and then adding a few more seconds as needed so it doesn’t overcook.”
She also stressed the importance of removing the egg from the water immediately after microwaving: “If you leave it in the warm water, it’ll continue cooking—so take it out as soon as you can.”
Meanwhile, during a chat on the We’re Not Getting Any Younger podcast, Tom Kerridge revealed how he makes his perfect poached eggs—beginning by gently stirring water that’s “just below simmering” with a spoon.
The chef then shared his go-to trick, explaining: “Using a small coffee cup, add a little splash of white wine vinegar or distilled malt vinegar, then crack the egg into the cup of vinegar.”
For the final step in his method, he added: “Pour the egg from the cup into the swirling water—that way, it helps the egg hold its shape.”
According to Healthline, there are a number of things that can affect the health benefits of eggs: “Choosing pasture-raised or organic eggs, or a quicker cooking method, may result in more nutritious eggs. When frying eggs, opting for high-heat cooking oil can help reduce harmful free radicals.”