Perfect poached eggs aren’t just for restaurant brunches. With this simple, step-by-step method, you can learn to poach an egg like a pro – no stress, no special tools, just perfect results.

What you’ll need

The tools needed to poach an egg
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  • Fresh eggs (room temperature)
  • A medium saucepan
  • Water
  • A splash of clear vinegar (helps the whites set)
  • Slotted spoon
  • Small bowl or ramekin

1. Heat the water

A pan of water on a stove
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Fill a saucepan with about 3 inches of water. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat – you want small bubbles forming at the bottom, not a rolling boil.

2. Crack the egg

An egg cracked open into a small bowl
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Crack your egg into a small bowl or ramekin. This makes it easier to slide into the water gently and helps keep the yolk intact.

3. Add vinegar

Pouring clear vinegar into a pan
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Add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the simmering water. It helps the egg whites coagulate faster and hold their shape.

4. Swirl the water

A whisk in a pan of water
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Use a whisk or spoon to create a gentle whirlpool in the pot. This swirl helps the egg white wrap neatly around the yolk for that perfect, round shape.

5. Slide in the egg

Adding an egg to water
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Gently lower the egg from the bowl into the center of the swirl.Let it sink and settle – don’t stir or disturb it.

6. Let it poach

A poached egg on a slotted spoon
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Cook for 3–4 minutes for a runny yolk, or up to 5 minutes for a firmer one. If your eggs were cold, it will take longer. Keep the water at a gentle simmer (not boiling), or the egg may break apart.

7. Remove and drain

Draining a poached egg on a towel
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Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the poached egg out of the water. Place it on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to drain excess water.

Serving suggestion 1

English muffin topped with sliced mortadella, poached egg and hollandaise which is an eggs benedict
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Make eggs benedict. Get the recipe.

Serving suggestion 2

Avocado artichoke toast with a poach egg and runny yolk.
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Serve on top of avocado toast for added protein. Get the recipe.