How to Poach an Egg Using a Microwave

Learn how to quickly and easily poach an egg using just your microwave

Last Updated: February 25, 2023 References Tested

Poaching an egg makes a simple ingredient into an impressive dish. However, making poached eggs in a pan can be cumbersome.^{[1]
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Research source} Using the microwave to poach an egg is the easiest way to make a stunning poached egg.

Ingredients

1 egg
½ cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your Ingredients

1
Get a microwave safe mug and lid. Most plastic, glass, or ceramic mugs and lids will say “Microwave Safe” on the bottom. Use a mug and lid that specifically says microwave safe. Do not use metal materials or foil in the microwave.
- If using a mug, a mug with a tapered bottom will give a better result than a straight mug as the taper will collect the egg proteins together better.
2
Fill the microwave safe mug with ½ cup of cold water from the tap. Using a measuring cup, measure out ½ cup of water. Pour the water into the mug.

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3
Crack the egg into the mug. Using the side of the mug, tap the egg firmly once or twice to break through the shell, taking care to not break the yolk. Pry open the egg halves, and let the egg fall into the mug of water and make sure to prick the yolk with a fork to prevent mess.
4
Ensure the egg is completely submerged in water.^{[2]
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Research source} If the egg is not submerged in water, use the measuring cup to add another ¼ cup of water. The egg should be submerged now.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cooking the Poached Egg

1
Microwave the egg on high for one minute.^{[3]
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Research source} Place the mug in the microwave, and cover it with the microwave safe lid. Then, close the door and microwave the egg for one minute on high.
2
Make sure the egg is cooked before serving it. Open the microwave door and remove the carefully lid. The egg white should be firm, but the yolk should still be runny.^{[4]
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Research source} If the egg white still appears runny even after 1 minute, close the microwave door and add 15 seconds. Check the egg again, ensuring the egg white is not runny.
3
Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and place on a plate.^{[5]
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Research source} Now that the egg is done, remove the lid carefully, and remove the mug from the microwave. Use a slotted spoon to gently place the egg on a plate or in a bowl. If you leave the egg in the hot water, the egg will continue to cook.^{[6]
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Research source}
4
Salt and pepper the egg to taste. Add a dash of salt and pepper to your perfectly poached egg. Serve as desired.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you tell if an egg is spoiled?

Ollie George Cigliano
Private Chef & Food Educator
Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University.

Ollie George Cigliano

Private Chef & Food Educator

Expert Answer

Fill a bowl or prep sink with cool water. Gently place the eggs into the water. The waterline should be high enough that all of the eggs are submerged. If they float they are bad and should be discarded. The ones that stay at the bottom of the bowl or prep sink are good.
Question

Does the water have to be hot to do this in a microwave?

Community Answer

No. In fact, you should use cold water.
Question

Should the water be hot or cold before dropping the egg in the water

Community Answer

Use cold water. The water temperature should be about the same each time or the cooking time will be altered.

Warnings

You can only poach one egg at a time.

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Do not use a metal or foil in the microwave.

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