Poaching an egg isn’t always the easiest thing but don’t worry we’ve got you covered.
Let’s look at three easy ways to achieve that perfect poach right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Classic Water Bath Method: The classic water bath method is perhaps the most traditional and widely used technique for poaching eggs. Follow these steps to create beautifully poached eggs:
Step 1: Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a gentle simmer. Avoid using boiling water, as it may result in tough egg whites.
Step 2: Add a splash of vinegar (white or apple cider) to the water. The vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate and maintain their shape.
Step 3: Crack a fresh egg into a small bowl or ramekin. This will make it easier to slide the egg gently into the simmering water.
Step 4: Create a gentle whirlpool in the water by stirring it with a spoon. This swirling motion will help the egg whites wrap around the yolk.
Step 5: Carefully slide the egg into the centre of the whirlpool. The swirling water will help the egg maintain its shape.
Step 6: Allow the egg to poach for about 3-4 minutes, depending on how you want your eggs. Use a slotted spoon to remove the poached egg from the water.
- Silicone Poaching Cups: If you prefer a more foolproof and convenient method, silicone poaching cups are a great option. Here’s how to use them:
Step 1: Fill a medium-sized pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
Step 2: Lightly grease the inside of the silicone poaching cups with cooking spray or butter.
Step 3: Crack an egg into each cup, ensuring the yolk remains intact.
Step 4: Gently place the cups into the simmering water, making sure they are fully submerged.
Step 5: Cover the pot and let the eggs poach for about 4-5 minutes or until they are to your liking.
Step 6: Carefully remove the poaching cups from the water using tongs or a slotted spoon. Gently slide a spoon around the edges of the cup to release the poached egg onto a plate.
- Microwave Method: If you’re short on time and looking for an ultra-quick way to poach an egg, the microwave method is a game-changer:
Step 1: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with about 1/2 cup of water.
Step 2: Crack an egg into the bowl, ensuring the yolk is intact.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Step 4: Microwave the egg on high power for approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Step 5: Using oven mitts or a towel, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the poached egg to a plate.
Ingredients
- HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
- 6 egg yolks
- 125ml (½ cup) butter
- juice of one lemon
- 15ml (1 tbsp) hot water
- pinch of salt
- 5ml (½ tsp) black pepper
- EGGS BENEDICT
- 200g Shoulder Bacon
- 4 English muffins
- 8 poached eggs
- 5g sage
- 45ml (3 tbsp) butter
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
PREPARE a double-boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. The bowl should not touch the water.
MELT the butter in a saucepan over a low heat, then stir in the water and black pepper. Remove from heat.
IN a mixing bowl, vigorously stir the egg yolks and lemon juice together using a whisk.
POUR the egg mixture into the heatproof bowl and continuously whisk, adding the butter mixture extremely slowly.
WHISK continuously until a thick, creamy sauce forms.
SEASON with salt to taste and remove from the heat.
EGGS BENEDICT
COOK the bacon in a frying pan over a moderate heat until crispy.
SPRINKLE with sage and remove from the heat.
SLICE the English muffins in half and toast them until golden brown.
BUTTER the hot muffins, then top with bacon and sage.
ADD the poached eggs and generous spoonful of hollandaise sauce. Enjoy this delectable bacon Benedict
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Feature image: Getty