An egg poacher is a tool that allows you to cook poached eggs to perfection. In fact, it is not easy to be able to prepare eggs in this way with the classic saucepan of boiling water, the eggs often fall apart and it is difficult to calculate the right cooking times. For this reason, home cooks should get one. There are many models on the market, some must be used on the stove, others in the microwave and still others are electric. Depending on the type and brand of poacher you have purchased, the instructions for its use are different. However, most work, broadly speaking, in the same way: you pour water into the various cupped sections to cook or sear the eggs. This article will explain how three different types of egg poacher work.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Poacher for the Stove
Step 1. Fill the poacher with water
The bottom of the pan must be filled with enough water so that it touches the bottom of each cup (when these are inserted).
Step 2. Place the eggs in each bowl
Break them and pour one into each "mold". If you don't use all the cups, fill the empty ones with water to prevent them from burning.
Step 3. Bring the water to a boil
Step 4. Cook the eggs
Cover the poacher and cook the eggs for 2-3 minutes, they will be ready when the egg white is pale white and the yolk is still soft.
Method 2 of 3: Electric Poacher
Step 1. Prepare the poacher and plug it into an electrical outlet
Add water according to the manufacturer's instructions, which vary from model to model.
Step 2. Add the eggs
Break them and pour one into each cup; fill unused molds with a little water.
Step 3. Cook the eggs
Close the lid of the appliance and set the timer. The eggs will be ready when the time is up.
Method 3 of 3: Poacher for the Microwave
Step 1. Fill the poacher
Break an egg into each cup and add 2.5ml of water. Empty cups must be completely filled with water.
Step 2. Prick the egg yolks with a fork
If you don't, the yolks could explode due to the high temperatures reached in the microwave.
Step 3. Cook the eggs
Close the lid of the poacher and microwave for 30 seconds at maximum power. Proceed in half-minute intervals until the egg white is cooked through and the yolk is soft.
Advice
- When using a poacher for the stove, turn on a high flame just high enough to bring the water to a boil. If the water boils too violently, it could pop the egg white until it hardens and create a big mess.
- Consider greasing the inside of each cup with a couple of drops of oil. This way the eggs won't stick together while they cook.
- Serve the poached eggs as soon as they're ready. They tend to get chewy if you let them cool.
- Many electric poachers are sold with special accessories because they can also be used to prepare hard-boiled eggs. Make sure your appliance has the correct accessories for the type of cooking you want.
