You want to make breakfast, but you don’t want to hassle with a frying pan. So you pull out the egg poacher and go to microwave it. But then you remember that you have no idea how to actually use this thing.
You thought it would be simple enough – just crack an egg into the cup, put it in the microwave, and voila! A perfectly cooked breakfast.
But now that you’re standing in front of the microwave, egg poacher in hand, you realize that there must be more to it than that. Not to worry! We’re here to help.
Here’re the steps you need to follow to cook your eggs perfectly in a microwave egg poacher:
- Crack eggs into the poaching cups. One egg per cup.
- Prick the yolks with a fork.
- Pour 1 tbsp. of water into each cup.
- Close the lid and microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Let the poached eggs sit in the microwave for an additional minute before removing them.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Related: Microwaving Eggs: Step-by-Step Guide
Why Should You Use a Microwave Egg Poacher?
For too long, the simple act of poaching an egg has been shrouded in mystery.
Traditional recipes call for simmering water and a careful hand, leading many would-be cooks to believe that this is a complicated dish best left to the professionals.
However, thanks to the microwave egg poacher, anyone can make perfect poached eggs with ease.
If you’re not using a microwave egg poacher, you’re doing it wrong. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but there are definitely some good reasons to use one of these handy kitchen gadgets.
For starters, they’re super easy to use. No more guessing whether your eggs are cooked through or dealing with runny yolks. Just set the timer and let the poacher do its thing.
And clean-up is a breeze too – just pop the lid off and give everything a quick rinse.
How Long Do You Cook an Egg in a Microwave Egg Poacher?
Depending on the size of your egg and the power of your microwave, generally speaking, it takes about 30-45 seconds to cook one egg and 45-60 seconds to cook two eggs.
How to use a Microwave Egg Poacher
Using a microwave egg poacher is pretty straightforward. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
1. Crack eggs into the poaching cups. One egg per cup
The first step is to crack your eggs into the poaching cups. There are several different methods you can use to do this.
Cracking on a flat surface is the easiest way to get a clean break, but it can be harder to control the amount of pressure you’re using.
Cracking on the edge of a bowl is more challenging, but it gives you more control over the process. Cracking with one hand is the most difficult method, but it’s also the quickest
2. Prick the yolks with a fork
The second step is to prick the yolks with a fork. This is an essential step, as failing to do so will result in exploding eggs when you microwave them.
I missed this step the first time I used my poacher and let me tell you, it was not pretty. The cooked eggs looked messy, and there was no way to salvage them. So, don’t miss this step!
3. Pour 1 tbsp. of water into each cup
The third step to perfecting your microwave egg poacher is to add the appropriate amount of water to each cup.
Depending on your egg poacher, you’ll either need to add 1 tablespoon or 1/2 tablespoon of water per cup. To be sure, consult your egg poacher’s instructions.
4. Close the lid and microwave on high for between 30 – 60 seconds
Next, you put the egg poacher into the microwave and microwave it on high for between 30 – 60 seconds depending on the number of eggs you’re cooking.
As a general rule of thumb, it takes about 30-45 seconds to cook one egg and 45-60 seconds to cook two eggs.
5. Let the poached eggs sit in the microwave for an additional minute before removing them
After the timer goes off, don’t be tempted to immediately remove your poached eggs from the microwave. Let them sit in the microwave for an additional minute to finish cooking.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately
Once the eggs are fully cooked, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cleaning Your Microwave Egg Poacher
Cleaning the microwave egg poacher is pretty straightforward. Just pop the lid off and give everything a quick rinse. That’s all there is to it – you don’t need to scrub or soak the poacher.
I like to use mild dish soap and a soft sponge to clean mine, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Some of the most popular alternatives for cleaning microwave egg poachers are vinegar and lemon juice.
Some of these egg poachers are also dishwasher safe so you can just throw them in the dishwasher and let it do the work for you!
When you’re finished, just put the lid back on and store the poacher in a dry, cool place until you’re ready to use it again.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use a microwave egg poacher, there’s no excuse not to enjoy this delicious breakfast treat any day of the week. So, what are you waiting for? Get cracking!
