Any average cook can make scrambled, sunny-side-up, and over-easy eggs. But when it comes to making the perfect poached egg with a warm and soft center and silky whites, things are completely different.
Like me, you might also be tempted to just leave the kitchen and let someone handle it. And justifiably so. Making poached eggs can be intimidating, and in nine out of ten cases, you’re left with stringy egg strands in vinegary water.
But what if I tell you about a method that doesn’t involve any mess? A method where you don’t need to think about the pot size, water temperature, or when and if you should add vinegar?
Skeptical, right?
Well, here’s the truth: you can easily poach an egg in a microwave with a silicone poacher!
And the best part?
It is super easy and hardly takes time. So if you’re curious about how you can make the perfect poached egg using a silicone poacher, continue reading.
Can I use a silicone egg poacher in the microwave?
Yes, you can use a silicone egg poacher to poach eggs in a microwave. The information tag says that they’re microwave-safe, so there’s nothing to worry about. And while the eggs are very unlikely to explode, it’s best to use a lid with the poacher.
Some people also use those rigid plastic poachers to poach their eggs in the microwave, but they don’t usually give the best results. Plus, poaching an egg using a silicone poacher is easier and quicker, and results in a better-looking egg.
Plus, silicone is FDA-approved, so it won’t leach anything into your egg while you microwave it.
How do you poach an egg in a microwave poacher?
To poach an egg in a microwave poacher, take a bowl filled with water, oil the poacher, and let it float. Place an egg into the poacher, put a lid on it, and then microwave it for a minute on full power.
When poaching an egg in a pan, you need to cover the pan so that the trapped steam helps cook the upper side of the egg. The same thing applies when using a microwave. You need to cover the bowl (and poacher) with a lid so that the egg cooks perfectly.
In addition, to make sure the poacher floats on the water, put about 1.5 to 2 inches of water in the bowl. You can use either hot or cold water, but the egg will cook faster if you add hot water.
Then, crack an egg into the poacher and use a sharp knife or a toothpick to gently pierce the egg yolk. Next, add about half a teaspoon of water on top of each egg. If you have a double egg poacher but you’re making only one egg, make sure you fill 3/4th of the empty cup with water.
Once you microwave the bowl for a minute, take it out and let it sit for another minute or two. This will ensure that the egg cooks perfectly.
How long does it take to poach an egg in silicone?
The time it takes to poach an egg in silicone in a microwave depends on the microwave’s power, the number of eggs you’re making, and whether you use cold or hot water. Generally, you should microwave it for 45-60 seconds, making sure you cover the poacher with a lid.
Microwaves have different wattages, so you’ll have to experiment a bit to see how long it takes your microwave to poach an egg.
You can even take a look at the wattage to get an idea of how long it will take. You can find this on the information panel at the back of the microwave, on the door’s side, or inside the microwave.
If you have a microwave with a lower wattage, it might take up to four minutes for the poached egg to be ready. Meanwhile, if you have a microwave with moderate wattage, two minutes should be enough.
After you microwave the egg for a minute, you can take a peek to make sure it’s ready. If it is not up to your liking, you can just replace the bowl and microwave the egg for another 10-30 seconds.
You might not be able to nail a poached egg the first time around. But as you make a poached egg in a microwave using a silicone poacher more often, you will be able to determine the right time to microwave according to your microwave’s wattage, your taste, and your eggs.
But what’s important is that once you make a poached egg just the way you like it, make sure you stick to the same timing. In fact, it’s also better to keep other variables, like the bowl and lid you used, to make the perfect poached egg every time.
Tips to make the perfect poached egg using a silicone poacher
By now, you must have realized that it’s pretty easy to poach an egg in a microwave with a silicone poacher. Here are some other tips you should know to make sure there are no mishaps while using the microwave:
- Make sure there are no eggshells when you crack the egg. Otherwise, it can explode.
- You should poke the yolk and cover the poacher with something. In rare cases, the yolk can explode and create a mess. So puncturing it reduces the chance of that happening. And even if it does happen, the lid will contain the mess.
- When microwaving eggs, it’s important to let them rest in the hot water for a minute or so to ensure that the whites are cooked perfectly and the yolks are to your liking.
- Soggy poached eggs are unpleasant to eat. To get the perfect poached egg, make sure to drain the extra water before they get the chance to leak water over the other items on the plate. So, once you take the egg out of the microwave, drain it on a paper towel or a slice of stale bread.
- While most stove-cooked poached egg recipes call for vinegar, you can skip it when using a microwave. This is because it doesn’t really make a significant difference with microwaved eggs.
The Bottom Line
You now know how to poach an egg in a microwave with a silicone poacher. I know what you’re thinking: it really is that simple. And with a few experiments, you can learn how to make an eggcellent poached egg. So, get out your silicone poacher and get microwaving!
FAQ
How can I make perfect poached eggs without an egg poacher?
To make perfect poached eggs without an egg poacher, you can use silicone egg poachers or simply cook the eggs in boiling water.
What is the best way to cook eggs for breakfast?
The best way to cook eggs for breakfast depends on your preference, but some popular methods include frying, scrambling, and making microwave-poached eggs using a microwave egg poacher.
Can I use silicone egg poachers in the microwave?
Yes, you can use silicone egg poachers in the microwave to make perfectly cooked microwaved-poached eggs.
What are some benefits of cooking with egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Cooking with just the protein-rich part of an egg (egg white) instead of whole eggs is beneficial if you’re looking for a low-fat option that’s still high in protein.
How do I know when my boiled or cooked egg is done?
To determine whether your boiled or cooked egg is done, check if the yolk and white have solidified by gently poking it with a fork or spoon after boiling it in boiling water for several minutes.
How can I cook eggs in a microwave oven?
To cook eggs in a microwave oven, you can use an egg cooker or place one egg on a small microwave safe plate and pierce the yolk with a fork. For hard boiled eggs, add water to the egg poacher base and place two eggs inside before microwaving.
What is the best way to make two poached eggs in a microwave?
The best way to make two poached eggs in a microwave is by using an egg poacher that evenly cooks both eggs at once. Alternatively, you can crack each egg into its own small microwave safe dish filled with water and cover it with plastic wrap before microwaving for about 1-2 minutes until cooked.
Can I make hard boiled eggs in the microwave?
Yes, you can make hard boiled eggs in the microwave by adding water to an egg poacher base and placing up to two whole raw eggs inside before microwaving for about 8-10 minutes depending on your desired level of doneness.
How do I get a runny yolk when cooking one egg in the microwave?
To get a runny yolk when cooking one egg in the microwave, pierce the yolk with a fork after cracking it onto a small plate or bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds on high power until cooked but still slightly jiggly.
What are some of the best egg poachers for use in microwaves?
Some of the best egg poachers for use in microwaves include those that have separate compartments for each individual egg such as silicone cups or trays designed specifically for this purpose. Look for ones that promise even cooking and easy release from their molds.