Microwave Poached Eggs

Wave goodbye to messy pans and hello to the easiest, fluffiest microwave poached eggs you’ve ever made! Whether you’re rushing for your morning meeting or craving a protein-packed snack, this microwave poached eggs recipe is about to change your kitchen game. Ready in just minutes, these beauties are perfect for drizzling over avocado toast or jazzing up a quick salad. 

These eggs are so delicious so many ways, hello eggs benedict, but some of our favorite quick grabs are topped on artisan bread, in ramen, or as a yummy salad addition! 

top down image close up showing a small white round plate with two poached eggs, one of which is broken so the yolk is running out, seasoned with salt and pepper. There are two slices of toast off to the side with a fork

Why You’ll Love This Poached Egg Method

  • Speedy Breakfast Solution: No time? No problem! Microwave poached eggs are ready in a flash, making them perfect for those hectic mornings.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Forget about multiple pans or egg poachers. One microwave-safe bowl, and you’re all set – easy peasy lemon squeezy!
  • Consistently Egg-cellent: Once you nail the timing in your microwave, you’re guaranteed a perfect poached egg every time. No more guessing games!

Truth be told, this is a TikTok hack that I saw and immediately implemented into our routine as one of our favorite new recipes. With a few tweaks to the original recipe, we find that this method gives you a perfectly poached egg every single time. It’s so simple that even my teenager can make them- and has yet to mess up his runny yolk! 

If you’ve never had a poached egg, the exterior is tender and delicate, giving way to an irresistibly runny, golden yolk that cascades like a rich, velvety sauce. The egg white is soft yet firm, providing a mild, subtly savory flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, buttery taste of the yolk. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, simple yet sophisticated, making it a versatile star in many dishes. 

top down image showing a wooden cutting board with a small glass bowl with a single egg inside and a measuring cup filled wiht water. There is a light blue napkin off to the side

Ingredients You’ll Need

​The most popular way to serve a poached egg is as eggs benedict, which serves your egg over a toasted English muffin smothered in hollandaise sauce. This egg recipe is the perfect start. Here is what you need to get started:

  • Water: For poaching the eggs. Some people add a splash of vinegar to help the whites coagulate faster, but it’s optional.
  • Eggs: Fresh is best, as they hold their shape better when poaching.
  • Salt and Pepper: optional, but great for serving! 

That’s it! Grab these ingredients, and you’re ready to poach your way to eggy perfection!

water being poured into a small glass dish
small glass dish filled with hot water and a fresh cracked egg sitting on a wooden cutting board

How To Make Microwave Poached Eggs

Here’s a simple, foolproof way to poach eggs in the microwave:

  1. Heat Water: Pour about 1/4 cup of cold water into a microwave-safe bowl, mug, or small ramekin. Heat for 1 minute in the microwave. 
  2. Crack the Egg: Gently crack a single egg into the hot water, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Gently pierce the egg yolk with a toothpick to prevent it from exploding, but making sure not to press too hard.
  3. Cover the Bowl: Place a microwave-safe plate or lid on top of the bowl. This helps steam the egg.
  4. Microwave Time: Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Microwaves vary, so you might need to adjust the cook times. The goal is for the whites to be set but the yolk still runny.
  5. Check and Continue: If it’s not quite done, or you’d like a firmer yolk, microwave in 15-second bursts, checking after each.
  6. Remove and Drain: Once cooked, carefully remove the bowl (it’ll be hot!) and gently lift the egg out with a slotted spoon. Let it drain on a paper towel.
  7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, and serve as desired.
an egg inside a glass dish of hot water with the yolk being pricked by a toothpick

Helpful Tools

A few special tools can make the process even smoother:

  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Essential for holding the water and the egg. A deeper bowl helps prevent the water from spilling out.
  • Slotted Spoon: Perfect for lifting the egg out of the water while draining off excess liquid.
  • Microwave-Safe Plate or Lid: Used to cover the bowl during cooking, trapping steam and ensuring even cooking.
  • Toothpick or Sharp Knife: Piercing the yolk with a toothpick can prevent it from bursting in the microwave.

With these tools at your fingertips, you’re all set for a hassle-free poached egg experience! 

top down image showing a poon holding a cooked egg hovering over the top of a small glass dish of water on a wooden tabletop

Recipe Notes

Do I need to add vinegar to the water?

It’s optional. A splash of vinegar can help the egg whites firm up more quickly, but it’s not necessary.

How long should I microwave the egg?

Start with 30 seconds on high power, then check. If it’s not done, continue microwaving in 15-second increments. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, just check for those set whites.

Can I poach more than one egg at a time in the microwave?

It’s best to do them one at a time in a small bowl for more consistent results, as microwaving multiple eggs can lead to uneven cooking.

Why did my egg explode in the microwave?

This can happen if the yolk is intact and builds up steam. To prevent this, gently pierce the yolk with a toothpick before cooking.

How do I know when the egg is perfectly cooked?

The egg white should be completely set, and the yolk should still be runny. If the white is still translucent, it needs more time.

Can I store and reheat microwave poached eggs?

Poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh. Reheating can overcook the yolk and change the texture.

How much water do I need to use?

About 1/4 to 1/2 cup water in the bowl is usually enough to properly submerge the egg.

close up image showing two poached eggs seasoned with salt and pepper on a small white round plate with toast off in the background

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5 from 1 vote

Microwaved Poached Egg Recipe

Author Jesseca
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 2 minutes
Serves: 1
Wave goodbye to messy pans and hello to the easiest, fluffiest microwave poached eggs you’ve ever made! Whether you’re rushing for your morning meeting or craving a protein-packed snack, this microwave poached eggs recipe is about to change your kitchen game.

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 large egg (cold)

Instructions
 

  • Pour about 1/4 cup of cold water into a bowl, mug, or small ramekin. Heat for 1 minute in the microwave. 
  • Gently crack a single egg into the hot water, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Gently pierce the egg yolk with a toothpick to prevent it from exploding, but making sure not to press too hard.
  • Place a microwave-safe plate or lid on top of the bowl. This helps steam the egg.
  • Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Microwaves vary, so you might need to adjust the cook times. The goal is for the whites to be set but the yolk still runny.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the bowl (it’ll be hot!) and gently lift the egg out with a slotted spoon. Let it drain on a paper towel.
  • Season with salt and pepper, and serve as desired.

Notes

If it’s not quite done, or you’d like a firmer yolk, microwave in 15-second bursts, checking after each.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 74mgPotassium: 69mgSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 270IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
cooked egg sitting on a spoon being held above a bowl of water with text overlay reading "perfect microwaved poached eggs"

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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One Comment

  1. Beatrice Pardue says:

    how long do you ZAP the eggs?

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