Thursday, February 12, 2009

How to Poach an Egg

No recipe for this one, just a technique. My girlfriend (who has never had one, bear in mind) wasn't interested when I described them to her, but then when she saw it she wanted one! I had already made her something else with her egg though and these were the last two. Poaching is a really light way to cook an egg since you aren't using any fats, but I like it anyway. Heh. They are also wicked easy. Plop an egg into simmering water, wait a couple minutes and poof. Poached egg. You guys probably want a little more detail, huh? Couple pictures? Ok, here you go.

It's best to start by cracking your egg into a glass or mug or something like that. It makes it easier to get it all in at once, helps keep the yolk from breaking and lets you know if the egg isn't any good before you put it in the water. You should bring some water to a boil then reduce the heat to just simmering. If your eggs are less than fresh you can add a little vinegar to the water to help them form, but I don't know much about that. My eggs were plenty fresh and to be frank, this is my first time ever poaching eggs. Once the water is ready, pour the egg in. It looks kinda weird, like a ghost or sheets. Let it simmer for a couple minutes. Two for a runny yolk, three for firm. At least I assume three is enough, I didn't want a firm one. But that's what my research indicates. Then you just pull it out with a slotted spoon and put it on something. Toast is good, I've got an english muffin here. Doesn't look too exciting does it? That's because you need to pop it. Mmmmm, popped egg. And there you go. Poached egg on an english muffin. Some salt and pepper and you're ready to go. In case you are wondering what I made my girlie for breakfast I just whipped her up a fried egg and a hash brown thing (packaged, I admit it) and made her a sandwich.That was good too, she assured me.

Poached Egg on Foodista

28 comments:

  1. Poached are my favorite way. I had never had a poached egg until I was in the hospital and this was on the menu. I have never done them in water, I have a little poaching pan I put in the water. This looks like less work!

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  2. I've never poached an egg. Jon usually does that. He makes me Eggs Benedict a couple times a year. =)

    Looks easy!

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  3. This is my favorite way to eat an egg! Yours looks perfect though! Sometimes I lose too much of the white.

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  4. That sounds wonderful for breakfast! With a hash brown on an English muffin - Yummmm!

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  5. Poached is the way to go. My fav. This came out perfectly Bob. I would love a crispy hash brown with mine too please!

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  6. that looks fucking delicious

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  8. MMMMM I hear some Canadian Bacon and Hollandaise calling my name!!! Perfectly poached!!!

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  9. Hubby likes poached eggs. We have a very old pan that has little egg cups in it.

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  10. Very nice handiwork Bob.

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  11. Bob - great post - I do love poached eggs as well! Looks great

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  12. I have never cooked a poached egg in my life!! I don't know why, they look so good. I'm almost tempted to have that for dinner! That hash brown sandwich looks mighty tasty too.

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  13. those sandwiches both look so good! the pic with the yummy gooeyness reminds of soft boiled eggs. A family staple when I was little, my Oma (great grandma) had one every day for breakfast in a little cup, and she had a little circular knife that cut off the top perfectly (kinda like a cigar cutter). you ate it out of the shell, the yolk was runny and the whites were cooked, she had a little spoon and she dipped her rye toast in it too... SO good! I dont think I have ever seen anyone eat one since!

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  14. tamilyn: My mom had one of those, they were wicked cool. The eggs were much neater too. Heh.

    Spryte: Nice! I love eggs benedict. :)

    Michele: Thanks! I was worried when the white started streaming around like that, but it worked out fine.

    5 Star Foodie: Thanks!

    Dawn: Sure thing. ;)

    Anonymous: Thanks!

    Culinary Alchemist: Heh, thanks!

    Karen: I wish I had gotten my moms one of those. Although I think the cups might have been mostly lost after being used as helmets for toys...

    noble pig and Zesty: Thanks! :)

    Reeni: Do it! Breakfast for dinner is the bomb. :)

    MaryAnn: Poached and soft boiled are very similar in texture and taste. I've had soft boiled before, but found them to be a pain to eat. Maybe because I didn't have your great grandmothers tools. :)

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  15. the perfect poach, well done looks delish...cheers

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  16. That looks beyond wonderful. I love that bright, yummy yolk just swooning on the side . . .

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  17. My husband loves his eggs like that, real runny! Thanks for the tips!

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  18. Ricardo: Thanks!

    Vicki: I concur. ;)

    Tangled Noodle: Thanks! Heh, I don't think I've ever had anything I've cooked be described as "swooning" before. :)

    biz: No sweat!

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  19. Nicely done there Bob! Eggsalent as a matter of fact(sorry, can't resist)I love poached eggs...eggs benedict even better ;) Just a tip, I use vinegar whether my egg is fresh or not, it helps keep the whites together. Just a tablespoon in your pan of water will do the trick. Thanks for poaching...er uhm I mean posting (k, I'm done :))

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  20. And doens't that look just perfect! Love the runny yolk!

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  21. Bob, I love poached eggs but I always boil the water too much. Thank you for letting me know to simmer, since I tend to forget. And I always say the minute I put the egg in "How long am I supposed to set the timer for?" I don't know why this is such a great mystery to me!! But next week when I have my eggs benedict, I will thank you once again!! I am going to clean up the drool now (that's how much I love poached eggs...and your pictures!) :)

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  22. Your poached egg looks perfect, I'm still trying to perfect my technique.

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  23. I love poached eggs!! I used to have a poaching pan....but no longer. I may have to follow your steps and make some soon...

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  24. This is my favorite way to eat eggs. Your picture is incredible, thanks for sharing!

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  25. DD and Clumbsy: Thanks!

    ChefBliss: No sweat. ;)

    Sara: Me too, but I'm pretty pleased with my first attempt.

    Aggie: Poaching pans are cool, I miss my moms.

    Hayley: Thanks. :)

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  26. you can poach me some eggs anytime ;)

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  27. It was a great help, thank you, now to poach an egg is quick with your suggestions. Thanks

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Ok, let's have a good clean chat. Keep it above the belt, no trolling, spamming or harassing other commenters. Don't make me moderate here people.

Thanks for all your comments. I try to answer any questions I'm asked, but if I miss yours feel free to email me.