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How to Microwave Poached Eggs

Perfectly cooked poached eggs made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing tender and evenly cooked eggs. This method ensures quick and easy poached eggs, ideal for breakfast or adding to various dishes.
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Prep Time

30 seconds

Cook Time

4-5 mins
15 reviews

Free Time

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How to Microwave Poached Eggs

15 reviews

Once you poach eggs in the microwave, you’ll never go back to making them on the stovetop. It may take a try or two to dial it in for your microwave wattage, but once it’s right, you’ll get perfectly set whites and runny yolks every time. You may even start poaching eggs on weekday mornings!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Once you poach eggs in the microwave, you’ll never go back to making them on the stovetop. It may take a try or two to dial it in for your microwave wattage, but once it’s right, you’ll get perfectly set whites and runny yolks every time. You may even start poaching eggs on weekday mornings!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Small Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ cups (350ml) cold tap water
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)

Preparation

  1. Add water and vinegar (if using) to the Anyday dish. Carefully crack the egg into the water and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 6
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    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

         for 3-4 minutes. Gently press the egg yolk to check that the egg is done to your liking, and add more time in 30-second increments if needed. Better to start with less time since you can always add more!
  3. Immediately remove the egg from the water using a slotted spoon. Drain each egg and blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Serve right away!

Suggestions

  • Add flavorful garnishes: Top your poached eggs with chopped chives, fresh salsa, or a sprinkle of smoked sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Serve with ramen: Add poached eggs to a bowl of hot ramen for a rich, silky addition that enhances the dish.
  • Avocado toast: Top buttery avocado toast with a poached egg, a drizzle of chili crisp, or olive oil for a creamy, savory breakfast.
  • Eggs Benedict twist: Use poached eggs in a creative twist on Eggs Benedict—try it with smoked salmon and dill or cook spinach and savory mushrooms.
  • Savory oatmeal bowl: Top a bowl of creamy oatmeal with a poached egg, and grated cheese for a savory twist on a classic.

Recipe Notes

  • Stop the cooking process: Remove poached eggs from the hot water immediately to prevent overcooking. If not eating them right away, transfer them to a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking.
  • Adjust cooking times for yolks: Cooking times may vary depending on the number of eggs and their size. Fewer eggs will cook faster, while more eggs will take slightly longer. If yolks are cooking too hard, reduce the cook time in 5–10 second increments or lower the power level.
  • Prevent sticking: Lightly grease the bottom of your dish with oil or butter before adding water and cracking the eggs. This helps reduce sticking, especially when using eggs with firm whites.
  • Submerge eggs fully: Ensure eggs are completely covered with water, especially if using extra-large eggs. Exposed eggs can explode when microwaved due to direct contact with microwave energy.
  • Use vinegar for cohesive whites: Adding a splash of vinegar helps the egg whites stay intact, creating a neater poach with fewer “flyaways.”
  • Expect softer whites: Microwave-poached egg whites will have a softer, sous vide-like texture compared to stovetop poaching. For firmer whites, rest the eggs in a bowl of vinegary water for 10 minutes before cooking.
  • Choose the right dish: While Deep Dishes can be used, their narrow base may cause eggs to stick together and cook unevenly. A Shallow Dish is recommended for best results.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Step by Step: Microwaving Poached Eggs

Add the cold water, vinegar, and egg into the Anyday

Cover with lid (knob lifted)

Microwave at Power Level 3 (for a 1000 watts)

Remove the egg with a perforated spoon

Serve over your favorite food

All You Need to Know About Poaching Eggs in the Microwave

What are poached eggs?

Poached eggs are gently cooked in water, creating silky whites that encase a yolk with a jammy or slightly runny center. This delicate cooking method makes them a favorite topping for avocado toast, salads, or grain bowls.

Can I poach eggs in the microwave?

Absolutely! Using an Anyday dish, you can poach eggs quickly and easily in the microwave. This method creates silky, sous vide-like whites and a jammy yolk. Unlike stovetop poaching, microwave-poached eggs may have yolks that are less runny, but this unique texture still provides the creamy richness that makes poached eggs so versatile.

What’s the texture of microwave-poached eggs compared to stovetop poached eggs?

Microwave-poached eggs feature softer, sous vide-like whites and yolks that are more jammy than runny. This difference is due to the way microwaves cook food and is a normal outcome. For firmer whites, try resting the eggs in a vinegar bath before cooking.

How does egg freshness affect poaching results?

Fresh eggs have firmer whites, making it easier to achieve a compact, neatly poached egg. Older eggs, with thinner whites, may result in more "flyaway" strands. To combat this, use fresher eggs or soak them in a vinegar bath (water mixed with a splash of vinegar) for 10 minutes before cooking. This technique firms up the whites for cleaner poaching.

Why add vinegar when poaching eggs?

Vinegar tightens the egg whites, reducing "flyaway" strands and helping the whites stay cohesive around the yolk. While optional, it’s a helpful step for achieving neat and professional-looking poached eggs.

What’s the best way to check if poached eggs are done?

Gently press the yolk with a spoon to test doneness. For jammy yolks, start with a shorter cook time and add 5-10 second increments as needed. Microwave cooking tends to yield firmer yolks compared to stovetop methods, which is perfectly normal and still delicious.

How do I prevent eggs from sticking in the dish?

Lightly grease the base of your Anyday dish with oil or butter before adding water. This minimizes sticking and makes it easier to lift out the poached egg once cooked.

Can I poach more than one egg at a time in the microwave?

Yes, you can! Just make sure the eggs have enough space to cook evenly without sticking together. A Shallow Anyday Dish works best for multiple eggs. Increase the cook time slightly to account for the added volume.

How long can I store poached eggs?

To store poached eggs, transfer them to a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process. Stored in water in the refrigerator, they will last up to 2 days. To reheat, briefly submerge them in hot water before serving.

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