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How To Make Poached Eggs In Microwave

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Poached eggs take extra time because you have to boil the water before cooking the egg. However, it is super easy to make poached eggs in the microwave.

How do you make a poached egg in the microwave? Use a microwave safe cup, mug or bowl, add 1 cup water, ¼ teaspoon vinegar and then crack the egg inside. Cover with a microwavable lid, and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes depending on the doneness you prefer. 

Using a few simple tips, microwave eggs are super easy to make in your favorite preparation. Within a matter of minutes, microwave poached eggs are ready to serve with English muffin or on top of toast.

Can you microwave poached eggs?

Yes, poached eggs can be cooked in the microwave very easily. If you are in a hurry, it is the best method to make tasty poached eggs quickly.

Poaching eggs on the stovetop requires boiling water before cooking the egg. 

When using the microwave, you crack an egg into a microwave safe dish with cold water and nuke until the egg reaches your desired preparation:

  • For soft poached egg, microwave for 1 minute.
  • For hard poached egg, microwave for 2 minutes.

How long do you cook poached eggs in the microwave?It may take 1-2 minutes to cook poached eggs in the microwave. Starting with cold water is ok when poaching 1 egg, however you should heat the water beforehand if you are poaching 2 eggs at the same time. 

Room temperature eggs are easier to poach than cold eggs, especially if you like soft poached eggs. The egg whites will set quicker and the yolk will remain runny.

Leaving the egg on the countertop for 20 minutes before poaching is beneficial. However, this is not necessary if time does not allow for this option.

Cooking time is ultimately determined by the wattage of your microwave. Adjust the cooking time based on the power level of your appliance.

How to make poached eggs in the microwave

Is it safe to eat microwaved poached eggs?

Yes, it is safe to eat microwaved poached eggs as they are equally nutritious to the eggs cooked on the stove. Additionally, poached eggs do not contain the add cooking oils used when frying eggs.

Overcooking tends to destroy the nutrition values available in the food item. Though you can increase nutrition in your microwaved poached eggs, you will have to microwave them carefully.

Microwave the water to gently poach the egg. There is no need to boil the egg beyond doneness.

Can you poach 2 eggs at once in the microwave?

Yes, 2 eggs can be poached in the microwave at once. To poach two eggs  at the same time in the microwave, you will have to use a quart sized microwave safe container. 

How do you poach more than one egg in the microwave? Fill the container with 2 cups of water to give enough room for the eggs to cook evenly. Microwave the water for 1 minute before adding the eggs, then nuke for another minute or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.

While poaching more than one egg in the microwave, you will have to add the eggs to the bowl with very hot water. Microwave for 30 seconds on high to give a little boost to the water and the eggs

After removing the bowl from the microwave you should cover with a lid and allow the eggs to carryover cook for 1 minute.

Check the firmness of the whites of the eggs just by using a spoon to lift it gently. You can heat the poached eggs for 15 seconds more if whites are still very runny and allow it to sit for 30-45 seconds more to get the best results.

Using enough water will allow you to transfer the first egg to another bowl if you want to strain the second egg separately. Season and serve, both eggs should be cooked to the same consistency and be ready to eat.

Why did my poached egg explode in the microwave?

Poached eggs can explode in the microwave because the liquid inside the eggs boils while being trapped inside the membrane, or the water superheated causing an explosion. 

Superheating is a common cause for concern when microwaving liquids. The surface tension traps air pockets underneath the surface, when the  strain is broken the liquid can boil vigorously causing an initial eruption or explosion.

When microwaving poached egg, you should be careful as it can be dangerous. This risk can be mitigated by keeping the cooking time to a minimum.

How do I poach an egg in the microwave without it exploding?

You can microwave a poached egg in the microwave without exploding by following these steps:

  • First of all, you should heat water to the boiling point in a microwave-safe bowl. A bowl has wider surface area than a cup or mug, therefore it helps to reduce the tension level.
  • Now crack the eggs into a separate bowl.
  • Gently pour the eggs into the hot water.
  • Microwave on high for 30 seconds and allow the egg to sit for a minute until the whites start to create a layer over it.
  • Now scoop underneath the egg to stir and gently flip it in the water. The undercooked part of the egg will come in contact with hot water it will set quickly
  • Allow the poached egg to sit in the water for 10-15 seconds, or until the egg reaches the doneness you prefer.
  • Scoop them carefully once they are set and your microwaved poached eggs are ready to serve.

Can you reheat poached eggs in the microwave?

Yes, you can simply reheat poached eggs are in the microwave. Soft poached eggs can be reheated to a hard poached egg without any difficulty.

It will be difficult to maintain a soft poached egg when reheating, unless the eggs is dipped in hot water and not allowed to fully heat all the way through. The appearance and doneness will be slightly altered, but the poached egg will be edible and delicious.

Tips to Microwave Poached Eggs

Poached eggs require zero oil or butter when cooking, which makes this method the healthiest way to cook an egg. Poached eggs can be cooked in the microwave by following these helpful tips provided here:

  • Use a coffee mug if a microwave safe bowl is not available.
  • Microwave with 900 to 1200 watts to quickly poach eggs without any difficulty.
  • The egg should be covered by one-inch water to poach it adequately. However there must be some empty space over the water in the dish to allow for boiling or splashing. Use a bigger mug if enough space is not left in it.
  • Use a splash of vinegar to help hold the white egg together. The vinegar acts as a coagulant to bind the egg.
  • When making a hard poached egg in the microwave, poke a small hole in the yolk to avoid any explosion. You can use a toothpick or a sharp knife tip for this purpose. The steam that escapes out of the yolk will also avoid overheating the eggs. Stab the toothpick or knife tip into the yolk instead of stirring or scrambling it.
  • Cover the mug with a microwave safe plate or saucer to keep the liquid and heat inside the mug. The lid will trap steam while also reducing the risk of a mess inside the microwave if the egg does explode.
  • Check carefully whether the egg is poached properly or not. You should microwave for 10 seconds increments if the whites are not set properly after the initial cooking time. You can repeat this process until you get the texture you are looking for.
microwave poached eggs
Yield: 1 poached egg

Microwave Poached Egg

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 2 minutes

Microwave a poached egg in 2 minutes by following these simple steps.

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • ¼ teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 cup of water

Instructions

  1. Use a microwave-safe bowl or mug.
  2. Fill it with 1 cup of water and splash of vinegar.
  3. Now crack the egg gently into the dish. Egg should be fully covered with the water.
  4. When making a hard poached egg, pierce a toothpick into the yolk to avoid any explosion in the microwave.
  5. Cover the dish or mug with a microwave-safe plate.
  6. Microwave for one minute on high. This will set the whites of the egg, but not cook the yolk, it will be a soft poached egg.
  7. You can microwave for 10 second intervals if the whites are still runny or to cook a hard poached egg
  8. If the egg white is set to your satisfaction, you can use a slotted spoon to remove the poached egg from the water and transfer to a plate.
  9. After seasoning it with pepper and salt, you can serve it on a salad or slice of toast.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 72Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 80mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 6g

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