Perfect Poached Eggs
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 microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups (350ml) cold tap water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
Preparation
- Add water and vinegar (if using) to the Anyday dish. Carefully crack the egg into the water and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 7for 4-5 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!✕
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
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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.
- 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!
Serving suggestions & tips
- The eggs will keep cooking if you leave them in the water. Remove them from the hot water immediately, or if you’re not eating right away, gently place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking.
- Quantity matters! Fewer eggs will take slightly less time to cook. More eggs will take slightly more time to cook.
- Garnish with chopped chives, fresh salsa, or smoked sea salt.
- Great for adding to a bowl of ramen.
Recipe notes
- Make sure that the eggs are fully submerged in water and aren't poking above water (especially if you have extra large eggs)! When microwaves come in direct contact with whole eggs, it can cause the egg to explode.
- Adding vinegar can help keep the whites in place and reduce “flyaways”.
- While you can poach eggs in the Deep Dishes, the narrow bottom might cause the eggs to stick together and take longer to cook. We recommend using a Shallow dish to poach eggs!
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
