January 18, 2011

Perfect Poached Egg

To have the word "perfect" in the title is like stating "World's Best". I'm not saying that these are perfect poached eggs but for being my first attempt at poaching an egg I think I did a mighty fine job if I do say so myself.

This cooking method didn't come without teeth grinding and nail biting. The first egg I slipped into the bubbling water spread across the bottom of the pot and looked like a jellyfish. Quite a turn off. I ended up fishing it out and throwing it into the garbage.

I didn't want to throw in the towel. I had high hopes of making these so called Perfect Poached Eggs and maybe in the future being able to make Eggs Benedict.

My second attempt went much more smoothly with a plan in mind. Rather than cracking the egg shell above the bubbling water I cracked my egg into a small bowl and gently lowered the bowl near the water's surface and let the egg slide out gently into the water. Surprisingly this egg didn't spread out but stayed rather intact. After 4 minutes my poached egg began to float to the surface. I used my slotted spoon and scooped it out of the water.

When I cut into the yolk it was runny with the egg whites cooked to perfection. I now have the confidence that I will be able to make poached eggs at a later date and am excited to be able to add a new breakfast item to the roation.

MyRecipes.com and Sunset, April 2000

Stars of the Show:

  • egg(s) - Use how many ever eggs you wish to cook at the time.
And Action:

Put about 3 inches of water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. With a slotted spoon, quickly and gently emerse the eggs in their shells, one at a time, for 8 seconds and then lift out. Heating the eggs in their shells helps to prevent them from sticking together when you poach them.

Pour out all but one inch of water. Reduce the heat so that bubbles occassionally rise to the surface. Crack eggs one at a time while holding the shell close to the water's surface and let the egg slide into the water gently. Do not overcrowd the pot with eggs. Only a couple at a time. Cook to desired doneness. 4 minutes will yield a softcooked egg.

With the slotted spoon lift the eggs out one at a time. You can either serve immediately while they are still warm or you can slip them into cold water. You can make these up to 2 days ahead of time. Wrap in an airtight container and chill.

To reheat the eggs, immerse in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Lift out with a slotted spoon.

Nutritional Information (per egg)
Calories: 75 (60% from fat)
Protein: 6.2g
Fat: 5g (sat 1.5)
Carbohydrate: 0.6g
Fiber: 0.0g
Sodium: 140mg
Cholesterol: 212mg

8 comments:

ping said...

I salute you! Bowing and scraping included. I used up a whole carton of eggs and only managed to get 1 'almost' right. Sigh. All those tips and tricks, swirling waters, vinegar etc .... pfft. There goes homemade eggs benedict. Gonna give it another go before I give up altogether.

Chelle B said...

Ping - Keep trying! Before attempting to make them it sounded like a nightmare.

Amy said...

Oh yes, they look perfect and I want one please! :P

I'm having the very first GIVEAWAY from my blog. Please stop by to submit an entry. Good Luck.

http://utry.it/2011/01/happy-birthday-to-meand-very-first.html

Anonymous said...

Yes, it is a perfect poached egg! It's 7:00 a.m. here and I'd like one for breakfast please! It took me many attempts to get the poached egg down pat (and many years) and I finally have it. I think poached is my favourite way to eat eggs.

Chelle B said...

Amy - I will stop by your blog! Thank you for thinking of me and sending me the link!

Brenda - I think it is my favorite way to have eggs for breakfast as well. I'm just waiting for grocery day to add the ingredients needed for eggs benedict.

Anonymous said...

Your poached egg looks perfect! I like them because they can be made ahead and reheated. Plus, no added fat!

Jeanette said...

Hi, didn't mean to leave the comment anonymous, it was me. Love all you are doing to try new techniques and food!

Chelle B said...

Jeanette - Thank you for the compliment! I like that they can be reheated too. I just haven't made more than I needed. I usually just have one. No added fat is a huge bonus especially when trying to egg healthy.

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