Can You Microwave Eggs?

Q. My stove has been broken for a week. As I wait for the repair or replacement I’ve had to use my often neglected microwave for some things I otherwise would never have thought of microwaving. This morning is my boiled eggs day and while I’ve done scrambled eggs, I haven’t boiled or cooked unbroken eggs in the microwave. Can you microwave eggs? With the stove out of commission I don’t want to ruin it or I’ll have to dig out the propane camping stove which just got buried for the season under all the other camping stuff.

Can you microwave eggs?

A. Eggs are a protein-packed, nutrient-rich, and inexpensive food item that can help you get fit and be healthy without costing too much. Americans eat 76.5 billion eggs every year! That’s an average of 250 eggs per year each.

As you’ve noticed, a poached or scrambled egg prepared in the microwave is safe. But anyone who has put whole unpierced eggs in the microwave knows they can expect an explosion. A whole egg will explode in the microwave, possibly damaging it. At the very least you’ll have a stinky sticky mess to clean out of it.

To poach an egg in the microwave:

1. In a small microwavable dish, preferably glass not plastic, mix 1/3 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Go ahead and crack one large egg into the mixture and cover the dish with plastic wrap, a lid, or a small plate.
3. Place the dish in the microwave.
4. Microwave at 80 percent power for 50 to 60 seconds or until the yolk looks round and set on the outside. The white should be almost set and still a little translucent.
5. Watch it, as microwave ovens each cook a little differently.
6. If you like, let the egg sit in the water for about 1 minute to let the white firm up.

To scramble and egg in the microwave:

1. In a small microwave safe bowl or dish whisk one or more cracked eggs.
2. Add a tablespoon of milk or water and a pinch of salt
3. Whisk until mixed well.
4. Microwave uncovered at 100 percent power (high) for 30 seconds.
5. Take out the bowl – careful it’ll be hot – and whisk again.
6. If liquid sections remain, zap for another 10 seconds, take out and whisk again.
7. Repeat until you have nice fluffy scrambled eggs.

Microwave eggs in their shells and they will explode. Even cracked eggs out of the shell can and may explode in the microwave because of rapid heating causing a buildup of steam. Use a wooden toothpick or tip of a knife to break the yolk membrane of an unbeaten egg before microwaving so that the steam can escape.

Enjoy your microwaved eggs!