Microwave Poached Eggs, Unfussy Style

Looking for an straightforward way to poach eggs? I’ve got you.

If you want to poach an egg (or 2!), this microwave method is by far the most unfussy. I first learned of this method in 2021 and haven’t made poached eggs the old-school way since. In this post, I’m making 2 eggs, however the step-by-step and printable recipe is written for 1 egg. Simply double the ingredients and microwave eggs separately to ensure success.

To Make These Microwave Poached Eggs Gather:

• eggs
• white water
• vinegar

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. If making 2 eggs, boil 2 cups of water

Meanwhile, add 1-1/4 teaspoons white vinegar to a microwave safe ramekin or bowl. If you’re making 2 eggs, set out to make each egg in its own ramekin.

And then crack egg(s) into shallow bowl. This is optional, but it is easier to add the egg to the hot vinegar/water bath and avoid getting splashed with hot liquids.

Once the water is boiling, pour the water into the vinegar in the ramekin.

Immediately –BUT CAREFULLY– add the egg slowly into the hot vinegar water.

Use oven mitts or a thick towel to transfer the ramekin into the microwave for 30 seconds. Then carefully (use a kitchen towel or oven mitt if the ramekin is hot) remove the ramekin.

Use a large spoon or slotted spoon to carefully and slowly, turn the egg over and then microwave for an additional 15 to 20 seconds or until whites are set.

Once the whites are set, use a slotted spoon to remove the poached egg and drain on paper towel.

If Making Two Eggs: Once the first egg is draining on paper towel, quickly make the second egg. Pour the other half of the boiling water (I keep it boiling on the stove) into a second ramekin with vinegar and carefully add the second egg. Microwave the second egg for 30 seconds, carefully flip the egg in the vinegar water and microwave for an additional 15 to 20 seconds OR until whites are set. Transfer poached egg to paper towel lined plate to remove excess water before serving.

In my experience, making 2 eggs at the same time in the microwave, throws off the cook times.

Ways To enjoy Poached Eggs:

• As Is – Serve along buttered toast, hash browns (cauliflower hash browns), with bacon, sausage (turkey sausage) or plant based protein of your choice.
• On a Salad – This breakfast salad recipe is one of my favorites!
• Over Potatoes – Any breakfast hash or breakfast potatoes will do! Here are some of my hash recipes: corned beef hash, leftover prime rib hash, roasted fennel and potato hash.

Enjoy! And if you give this Microwave Poached Eggs recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!