How to Poach an Egg

Poached eggs are a popular brunch order at Ree Drummond's restaurant, The Merc. After all, the little parcels of golden yolks are perfect for eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, and other popular egg recipes. But when was the last time you made them at home? 

Many cooks seem to shy away from poaching eggs and truth be told, the process of dunking an egg into a water tornado to achieve firm whites and a perfectly runny interior does sound a little intimidating. But it turns out, poached eggs couldn't be easier! In fact, if you can boil water, then you can poach an egg. With this method for poached eggs, there's no vinegar or fancy egg tools required. And once you master the basic poaching technique, you'll have endless healthy breakfast recipes for any occasion.

What's the best way to serve poached eggs? 

Enjoy them over sautéed greens, on avocado toast, atop a breakfast salad, or on huevos rancheros. Better yet, enjoy them on a toasted, buttered English muffin with Canadian bacon for a classic eggs Benedict! Don't forget to pour on plenty of Hollandaise sauce before digging in to this delicious, satisfying breakfast.

What're the best eggs for poaching?

When it comes to poaching eggs, the fresher the eggs the better! Not sure how long yours have been hanging out in the back of the fridge? Try the egg float test. Fresh eggs cook quicker and their whites solidify better when cooked.

How long do you poach eggs?

Poaching eggs only takes a couple of minutes. Once the water is boiling, cook the eggs for 2 to 3 minutes. They'll be firm on the outside, runny on the inside, and delicately delicious every time.

Should the water be boiling for poached eggs?

This method for poached eggs calls for a gentle boil. If you're thinking, "What the heck is a gentle boil?" just bring the water to a boil and then lower the heat, so the water is just bubbling but not boiling like crazy.

Why do you have to stir the water for poached eggs?

Stirring the water in a circular motion creates a tornado effect that helps keep the egg white from spreading out too much. Rather, the white wraps around itself forming a perfect little pocket! Be sure to really get the water swirling before you drop an egg. 

Do you need vinegar to poach eggs?

Adding a small amount of vinegar to the boiling water is a trick that some people use to help the egg whites come together quicker. It’s completely optional and not even necessary, but if you do want to try it, stir one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar into the boiling water before you add the eggs.

Can you poach more than one egg at a time?

If you're hosting a brunch party, you may want to poach more than one egg at time—and you can! Just be careful not to crowd the pot too much. 

Can you poach eggs ahead of time?

Yep, and it's the perfect secret weapon when making poached eggs for a crowd! Simply poach the eggs as usual, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. When it's time to eat, just use the slotted spoon to plunge the eggs back into the water to heat them up. It'll only take a few seconds.