I never used to be a fan of eggs. I would eat them when they were cooked sunny side up or over easy, but anything more than that, and I just couldn’t get into it. However, once I learned how to make poached eggs, my mind changed.
Poached eggs are the perfect way to cook eggs if you’re looking for something a little healthier than your average breakfast egg dish. They’re fast and easy to make, and you don’t need any added fat. Plus, they’re perfect for those who don’t like their eggs too runny or too solid.
If you’re looking for an easy and healthy breakfast option, then I highly suggest giving microwave poached eggs a try.
How Long Does It Take To Poach An Egg In The Microwave?
In my experience, it took about 60 seconds to cook one egg in 900 watts microwave. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. So, you may need to experiment a little to find the perfect cook time for your microwave.
But once you’ve found the sweet spot, believe me, you’ll never want to go back to cooking eggs any other way.
Ingredients Overview
Eggs
You’ll need one egg per person. I like to use room-temperature eggs because they seem to cook more evenly, but you can use cold eggs if that’s all you have. However, you may need to add an extra 10-20 seconds to the cooking time since cold eggs will take longer to cook.
You can use any type of egg you like, but for this recipe, I recommend using large eggs. Also, I recommend using the freshest eggs you can find since they will have a better texture compared to older eggs.
Eggs are a great source of protein and nutrients, which is why they make for a healthy breakfast option. In addition to being a good source of protein, eggs also contain high levels of vitamins A, B-12, and D, as well as choline, which is important for brain health.
Plus, eggs are low in calories and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to eat healthier. So, if you’re looking for a quick and healthy breakfast to start your day off right, then eggs should definitely be at the top of your list.
Salt
Adding salt to the poaching water helps to flavor and firm up the eggs. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final outcome of the dish.
Salt is a mineral that is essential for human life. It helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance, and it also plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction. In addition, salt is an important source of iodine, which is necessary for proper thyroid function.
Pepper
Pepper is a common seasoning that is often used to add flavor to food. It can be used to add a bit of heat to the dish, or it can be used to simply enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
Pepper is a source of antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, pepper has been shown to improve digestion and help with weight loss.
Substitutions
If you’re not a fan of salt or if you’re watching your sodium intake, then you may want to try using a Morton salt substitute in your poached egg recipe.
Morton salt substitutes are made with potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride, which means they are lower in sodium. According to the Morton website, Morton salt substitutes have 50% less sodium than regular table salt.
If you’re not a fan of tarragon, then you can try using chervil instead. Chervil is a member of the parsley family and has a mild anise flavor. It’s a common ingredient in French cuisine, and it’s often used to flavor egg dishes.
Yield: 1 serving
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup room temperature water
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
Instructions
- Add 1/2 cup of room temperature water to a microwave-safe mug.
- Crack the egg into the water and gently poke the yolk with a toothpick.
- Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 30 seconds.
- Take out the mug and check the egg. It is done if the whites are opaque. If the whites are still clear, put them back in the microwave and cook for another 10 seconds.
- Continue cooking at 10-second intervals until the whites are opaque.
- Remove the mug from the microwave and let the egg sit in the hot water for 1 minute. This will help to finalize the cooking process.
- Gently lift the egg out of the water with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also opt to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as tarragon.
Safety Tips
Cooking eggs can sometimes be tricky, so it’s important to follow these safety tips to ensure that your eggs are cooked properly.
Use a microwave-safe container
It’s important to use a mug or other container that is specifically labeled as safe to use in the microwave. Some materials can heat up to the point of becoming dangerous, so it’s best to avoid using any old dish and stick to those that are intended for microwave use.
Always crack the eggs
Don’t microwave eggs with shells. Cracking the eggs beforehand will help to prevent them from exploding and making quite a mess in your microwave.
Add water to the mug first
Before adding your eggs, make sure to add a bit of water to the mug. It’s not poached eggs without water, so this step is essential. The water is what helps to cook the eggs and produce that poached texture.
Poke the egg yolk
Once your eggs are cracked and in the water, use a toothpick to poke each yolk three to four times. This will help prevent them from rising too much and exploding during cooking.
Always cover the mug
Another important tip is to make sure that you always cover your mug with either a plate or plastic wrap while cooking. This will help prevent any spills and also ensure that your food cooks evenly throughout.
You don’t need to add vinegar
Vinegar is often used when making poached eggs, but it’s not necessary. I’ve tried making them both with and without vinegar, and I honestly couldn’t taste a difference. So feel free to save yourself a step and leave the vinegar out but if you really want to use it, then go ahead.
Storage instructions
What many people don’t know is that poached eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later. This is a great option if you’re meal prepping for the week or if you want to have a quick and easy breakfast on hand.
To store your poached eggs, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to eat them, take them out of the fridge and place them in a bowl of hot water for 1-2 minutes. This will help to reheat them and make them nice again.
What to Serve with Poached Eggs
Poached eggs can be served in a number of ways. They are often served on top of toast with a bit of salt and pepper, but they can also be served with a side of roasted vegetables, grilled cheese, or even on their own.
Here’re some of my favorite recipes that go well with poached eggs:
1. Fresh Smoked Salmon
This classic combo is sure to please any palate. The rich, creamy yolk of the poached egg pairs perfectly with the salty smoked salmon, and the addition of some freshly-squeezed lemon juice brightens the whole dish up. Serve on top of a toasted bagel or English muffin for a complete meal.
2. Tacos with Crispy Potatoes
Looking for something a little different? These tacos are a great way to switch things up at breakfast time. The crispy potatoes provide a nice contrast to the silky eggs, and the addition of some cilantro and lime gives them a fresh and zesty flavor.
Plus, they’re super easy to make! Simply cook up some diced potatoes in a pan until they’re nice and crispy, then add in your favorite toppings (eggs, cilantro, lime, etc.). Serve on soft tortillas and enjoy!
3. Black Beans and Avocados
This hearty dish is perfect for days when you need a little extra protein in your diet. The black beans are a great source of fiber and nutrients, while the avocados add creaminess and healthy fats. Top with a poached egg and some hot sauce for an extra kick, and dig in!
4. Crunchy Pork Chops
Add some crunch to your poached eggs with this tasty recipe. The pork chops are coated in a mixture of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then fried until they’re golden brown and delicious. Serve them alongside your eggs for a complete breakfast that will keep you full all morning long.
5. Kale and Parmesan Tartine
This healthy twist on the classic tartine is perfect for those mornings when you’re craving something savory. The kale provides a nice dose of vitamins and minerals, while the Parmesan adds tons of flavor. Top with a poached egg and enjoy!
Conclusion
I hope you’ll give this easy microwave-poached egg recipe a try. They are a quick and healthy breakfast option that is perfect for those on the go. You can eat them right away or store them in the fridge for later.
And if you need some ideas of what to serve them with, be sure to check out the recipes above. There’s something for everyone. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!
