Q: I love to get extra protein in the morning, but my cafeteria doesn’t offer much in the terms of appetizing healthy options. When I was at home, I used to always eat poached eggs, is there a way I can poach an egg in the microwave? I have no access to a stove.
A: One of the most underestimated appliances in our kitchen is the microwave. So many times we think that it can only reheat made food, when in all reality, it can be used to cook just as much! Poaching an egg in the microwave is easy and fast.
When you are ready to poach your egg, fill a microwave-safe container with enough water to completely cover the egg. The yolk must be submerged or else it may explode! In most cases, if you will need a ½ cup to 1 cup of water, depending on the container or bowl you use.
Cover with a saucer that fits well, it should fit over the entire mouth of the bowl or container. You need to build steam and quickly boil the water.
Microwave on high for one minute, until the whites, have yet, but the yolk is still runny. It will turn white and jiggle slightly, but should keep its shape. Because microwaves vary, use good judgment as to the time, so be sure to check on your egg if you think it is cooking slower or faster than it should.
Remove with a slotted spoon so you don’t soak your toast in water, sprinkle salt and pepper on it, and enjoy.
The reason poaching an egg in the microwave works is because it does not need to cook the yolk; you are simply warming it. If you were to cook it, it would become rubbery like many horror stories of rubbery scrambled eggs, yuck!