Poached Eggs

Step 1

Crack an egg into a small strainer set over a bowl or glass. Leave for 30 seconds and jiggle around a bit so watery whites strain through.

Step 2

Carefully transfer to a teacup. Repeat for as many eggs as you plan to make in one batch (Whirlpool max 2, Easy Method up to 6), one in each teacup.

Step 3

For both methods, bring water to the boil over high heat, then turn the heat down so there are tiny bubbles from the base of the pot but big bubbles are not breaking water surface. (Note 4)

Step 4

Fill a pot with 7.5 cm / 3" water. (Note Bring to boil then lower heat, per above directions.

Step 5

Submerge a teacup into the water so you can gently roll the egg out onto the base of the pot - minimise the drop distance for neatest shape.

Step 6

Repeat with more eggs, but don't take longer than 15 seconds to put them all in.

Step 7

20 seconds after the first egg has gone in, eggs should be starting to but are not fully set. Use a slotted spoon and tablespoon/dessert spoon to gently turn the eggs upside down - start with the first egg that went in, end with the last.

Step 8

Leave for 1 minute, then turn again.

Step 9

Leave for another 30 seconds then using a slotted spoon, lift one out to check for doneness - whites should be soft but set, yolks should be runny.

Step 10

Drain & serve: Transfer to paper towel to drain and for top to dry with residual heat - 15 seconds. (Don't leave for too long or it can get stuck to the paper towel.) Serve! See below for ideas.

Step 11

Fill a large saucepan or small pot with 7.5 cm / 3" of water. Add vinegar, if using (I don't). Bring to boil then lower heat, per above directions.

Step 12

Using the handle of a flat-handled wooden spoon, stir the water quickly (10cm/4" diameter circle) to create a whirlpool so the vortex ("V" shape in water) stays for 7 seconds. (Note 5)

Step 13

Carefully slip the egg into the middle of the vortex, with the teacup as close to the water as possible but do NOT touch the water - it will break the water motion.

Step 14

The spinning water will make the whites wrap around itself so it forms a lovely poached egg shape once it stops spinning (~ 15 seconds).

Step 15

Leave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes - after 30 seconds, you can rotate once or twice, or swirl water again if you want to do it for you.

Step 16

Using a slotted spoon, lift out to check for doneness - whites should be soft but set, yolks should be runny.

Step 17

Drain & serve: Transfer to paper towel to drain and for top to dry with residual heat - 15 seconds. (Don't leave for too long or it can get stuck to the paper towel.) Serve!

Step 18

Multiple eggs: Use 15 cm / 6" of water. Once the first egg has set (~ 30 sec), swirl water again and drop in another. I've seen experts do 4 eggs. I prefer the Easy Method!

Step 19

Store in cold water - Use either method above, and place cooked eggs in a large bowl of cold tap water which stops the eggs cooking further. If making a lot, use ice water to ensure water temperature stays down

Step 20

To reheat: Bring a large pot of water to the boil, then turn heat down to low. Transfer eggs straight from cold water into hot water, leave 30 seconds - they will not cook in this time, but will just reheat. Drain on paper towels, then serve!

Step 21

Serve on toast, perhaps smeared with avocado, on asparagus or make Eggs Benedict! Great also on homemade baked beans and even a Caesar salad!