Microwave Poached Egg

I admit that this technique is a little but hit and miss… but it’s far less miss than my efforts at poaching an egg properly, you may note I didn’t refer to a hit with regard to the proper poaching of eggs, that is because I’ve never managed it.  This technique, however, is much more reliable.  If you like your yolk really runny, however, this technique is not for you.  The microwave cooks from the inside out so the yolk can set solid very quickly if you’re not careful. 

First things first: get at least 12 eggs in when you start this.  Every microwave is different and even every egg is different.  Whether the water is particularly warm or chilled will also affect exactly how this works for you.  Experimentation is the key.  All I can do is give you the gist of it and then it’s up to you to work out the specifics.  Yes, you will explode at least one egg while doing this.  Clean it off straight away and you shouldn’t have too many problems.  Leave it at your peril!!!

Right, nervous yet? Excellent…

Makes 1

1 egg
1/3 cup water

– First you need to find a small bowl with, if possible a rounded bottom.  THis vessel is going to give your egg its shape so go for the closest to a poached egg shape as possible.  I use a chinese rice bowl. 
– Crack your egg into the bowl. 
– Add the water. 
– Put a small plate over the top of the bowl. 
– Put them both in the microwave. 
– Using 1/3 – 80% power NO HIGHER cook for 60 seconds. 
– Check your egg to see if the white is properly cooked to your liking. 
– If it isn’t cooked give it another 10-20 seconds.  Keep checking it.  and repeat if necessary. 
– Once the white is set remove from the microwave and fish out your egg with a slotted spoon.  Drain the excess water and serve however you want it.  (I went with Mushroom Risotto from the night before with spring onion and a good pinch of salt.)

Start with these times as guidelines and adjust it to your individual circumstances.  May be your egg will be perfect with 50 seconds then 20 seconds (not the same thing at all as 70 seconds) or may be it’ll be perfect at 60 seconds, you just won’t know until you mess about with it!

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