Microwave Poached Egg

Course Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword microwave-poached-egg-recipe, microwave-poached-eggs

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 1

Stand time 1

Total Time 4

Servings servings

Calories 72kcal

(Instructions for 1000 Watt Microwave) Fill a 10 ounce microwave safe ramekin, coffee mug or microwave safe glass dish with 1/2 cup cold tap water. Add a splash of vinegar (1 teaspoon).
Crack the egg into the water. Use the tip of a toothpick to gently prick the yolk after it's in the water. It should be submerged. There's no need to pierce all the way through just a gentle prick on top.
Place a microwave safe saucer on top to cover the opening completely. Microwave for 30 seconds, lift saucer to allow steam to release and check the white for doneness.
Continue to cook in 10-15 second increments until it reaches your preferred doneness.
Let stand for 1 minute in the water. Repeat process with other egg in a clean cup. (Don't use the same ramekin, cup or bowl, it will be hot)
Use a slotted spoon or fork to remove the egg from the hot water to a paper towel to drain.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste and enjoy.
Cook's Note: If you’re using a higher wattage microwave simply adjust the cooking time and cook in shorter increments. Likewise, if the microwave has a lower wattage it may take longer for the eggs to poach. Use the cook times as a road map and adjust the doneness according to your taste.

Use the Correct Size Ramekin - the Make a special effort to make sure you’re only using microwave safe ramekins, cups, bowls and saucer. When in doubt go larger, not smaller.

Spices - Season top of the eggs your way. You can season with garlic salt, a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for spice. Try topping them with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to change the flavor profile.

Check the Wattage of Your Microwave - If you’re using a higher wattage microwave simply adjust the cooking time and cook in shorter increments. Likewise, if the microwave has a lower wattage it may take longer for the eggs to poach. Use the cooking time as a road map and adjust according to your personal taste.

Room Temperature Eggs - Room temperature eggs work best for this recipe. That being said, if there’s no time to bring them to room temperature, you can certainly grab an egg from the refrigerator in a pinch.

Use Caution When Lifting the Saucer - It’s important to lift the saucer per the recipe to allow the steam to escape at certain intervals.

White Vinegar - Why use vinegar for poached eggs? Just as when making classic poached eggs, vinegar in the water helps the egg white to coagulate and hold together. It works exactly the same in the microwave.

Don't Skip Pricking the Yolk - The purpose of gently pricking the yolk with the end of a toothpick is to prevent it from exploding while cooking. The egg should be completely covered with water and once pricked, the yolk should not leak out. There’s no need to pierce all the way through the yolk just a tiny hole in the top will suffice.

Adjust Cooking Time - The eggs pictured are cooked for 50 seconds with 1 minute stand time. Using this technique, seconds count. If you like a solid egg yolk, 1 minute cook time and at least 1 minute stand time, maybe even a bit longer. Again, this all depends on the wattage of your appliance and your desired doneness.