20 Ways To Poach Eggs Ranked

Poached eggs are a breakfast delicacy that many love, but despite the apparent simplicity of this cooking method, we don't always have the courage or skill to make it perfectly every single time. Yet nothing is more satisfying than getting that luscious, oozing center encased in a perfectly set white, whether you're a poached egg expert or not.

Beyond the good old stovetop method, there are plenty of other poaching techniques to explore. We've looked at some of the many ways to poach eggs and have ranked them according to a few key factors: ease and convenience, consistency of results, flavor and texture, reliability, cooking time, novelty, and any additional ingredients or equipment required. The more accessible and foolproof the poaching method, the higher it soared on our list.

From the downright quirky to the steadfastly traditional, let's discover the best and, well, not-so-best ways to achieve poached egg perfection.

If we're talking about unconventional ways to poach eggs, dipping them into a decadent pot of wine is certainly one of the more unorthodox methods. But for the adventurous souls looking to blend the sophisticated flavors of a fine vino with their eggs, this method offers a tasteful twist.

Practically speaking, the poaching process remains similar to the traditional method, only substituting wine for water. This promises to impart a unique flavor to the egg, wrapping it in notes of oak, fruit, and tannins depending on the wine.

But this taste might not be everyone's cup of tea — or in this case, glass of wine. Furthermore, the wine's quality plays a crucial role here. A low-grade bottle might render the egg less than palatable, while splurging on a top-tier wine for poaching can make you question why you used it on eggs, of all things. Still, if you're seeking the dinner date version of this dish, wine-poached eggs could be worthy of raising a toast.

If you are someone who frequently cooks soups or who always has some broth handy, you can elevate your sometimes watery poached eggs by simply replacing the water with savory broth or a well-crafted soup. That way, you can give your poached egg a delectable savory dimension. What makes this method even better is how it can help you pack the already protein-rich egg with even more nutrients.

However, while the result can be delicious, especially when using a fragrant chicken or beef broth, achieving consistent results might be a struggle. The thickness of the soup or broth you're using could significantly affect the poaching process, for instance, as would the quality.

Still, if the thought of the taste and softness of a poached egg seamlessly blending with the richness of broth is mouthwatering, then this sustainable and flavor-packed method may still be worth a try.

Whether you only have a mesh sieve on a stovetop or a dedicated steamer basket on hand, steaming your eggs promises gentle, even cooking which should yield delicate, tender poached eggs.

This gentle method is simpler because it eliminates the need for scooping the eggs from hot, swirling water. Additionally, because eggs have practically no direct contact with water, you can reduce the watery taste that you may find with other methods, instead emerging with a commendable creaminess — all while eliminating the need to watch the simmering water like a hawk.

However, with simple steaming, you can't easily add new flavors, unlike some of the other methods in the list. This can be good or bad depending on your preference and enjoyment of eggs on their own. Still, since steaming your veggies is generally deemed superior when it comes to texture and taste, maybe the same can be said for poached eggs.

The whole idea of a poached egg is to cook the egg outside of its shell, so seeing a poached egg emerge from a clear plastic cocoon may be an odd sight. But for some, the idea is rather ingenious with how it takes all the effort from the poaching process. You create a tiny pouch with the wrap, nestle the egg inside, and seal it to keep its shape while it simmers to delicate perfection.

However, this method is not without its challenges. For even the best of us, cracking eggshells perfectly can still be a nerve-wracking endeavor, so wrapping the egg is tricky. Moreover, you have to ensure that the plastic doesn't come undone or melt in the process.

Plastic wrap does add hassle in terms of prep, but if you're after a beautifully shaped poached egg, it can be an unexpected yet effective tool — at least once you've got the hang of this method.

For those seeking to achieve the smoothest result, the strainer technique is the secret method for perfect poached eggs. By employing a fine-mesh strainer, you can ensure that your egg is free from shells or chalaza – that's the tiny white string that connects the yolk to the egg white. You'll ideally eliminate all wisps of whites that would otherwise ruin the aesthetic of your Instagrammable breakfast.

However, like many kitchen techniques in this list, mastery demands practice for more control over the egg's shape and purity. You'll also have to wash more dishes, given that you strain the eggs before poaching them. But for those who covet picture-perfect poached eggs, the extra effort is a small price to pay. So, the next time you're aiming for a flawless finish, fish out that strainer you generally reserve for pasta. You'll have your followers swooning over your impeccably poached egg in no time.

Poached eggs, while a seemingly simple dish, can test the patience of even the most seasoned cooks. Consider how you always have to be watching over the temperature, swirling the water meticulously, checking on how cooked the eggs are, and watching for the foamy water to spill over. But with the Instant Pot, you can achieve perfection with minimal effort.

To achieve beautifully poached eggs with an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, simply add water, place your egg-filled bowls inside, and let the machine do its thing. With either device, a hands-off cooking approach and a perfectly soft yolk are nearly guaranteed.

If you don't have either device, a simple pot or pan, plus some additional elbow grease, can do the trick. But for those equipped with this nifty device — we're looking at you soup and stew enthusiasts — poaching eggs has never been easier.

The trick to making poached eggs in the oven has everything to do with control. You decide precisely how runny or firm you'd like your yolks, and without the frenzy that a pot of boiling water can bring. However, this leisurely poaching experience comes at the slight expense of time. While other methods might rush to deliver results, the oven insists that you savor the anticipation. The extended cooking time might seem like a setback, especially if you're famished and craving that golden yolk right away. But for those who champion precision over promptness, this method is ideal.

There's an elegant predictability to the process, too. No whirlpools or risky water depths here. Instead, you'll find an oven-safe dish, some water, and, of course, your egg. It's almost poetic in its simplicity. Just remember to set a timer, because while the oven method is straightforward, it's also easy to lose track of time and turn your delicate poach into a hard-boiled disappointment.

The baked method may not be your everyday go-to — especially if you're in a rush — but for weekend brunches or a fancy breakfast in bed, it offers artistry that's hard to beat. Dive in and be a part of the slow food movement. Sometimes, the best things take a little more time.

Let's get real — some methods stand the test of time for a good reason. By using the classic stovetop method, perhaps with a splash of white vinegar for cohesion and seasoning, the taste you get is purely egg, unadulterated by extra ingredients or additional flavorings. Plus, you don't need to spend any money on a fancy new kitchen gadget. All it takes is practice, patience, and the willingness to leave a bit of room for error.

Sure, there might be an occasional misfire when the egg white disperses a little too much throughout the roiling water, and this method might not have the technological edge or internet viral potential of the other hacks on this list. Yet it's consistent, reliable, and the most accessible poaching method for almost everyone, making the old-school stovetop technique the gold standard of poaching for many. Why mess with something that already works?

While some would say that silicone egg poaching cups are an unnecessary kitchen gadget, the simplicity and reliability of these weird-looking little things can come in handy. Simply crack your egg into one, then lower it gently into simmering water and let the magic happen. Whether you're aiming for a loose yolk or something a bit more firm, the egg will find its perfect shape when snuggled within these moldable cups.

Perhaps more importantly, these poachers do more than just ensure a mess-free poaching process. When it's time to plate up, they promise a seamless escape with no struggle and no mess. Your poached egg can effortlessly glide onto your plate, its shape and consistency intact — as long as you remember to butter your cups beforehand, of course. For those who are tired of the whirlpool method or the inconsistent outcomes of other techniques — and don't mind another piece of kitchen gear — these cups might just be your new breakfast best friend.

Want your poached eggs in a jiffy? Microwaves might not be the first thing that comes to mind but, as it turns out, they should be. Ease and convenience are the keywords here, with just a bowl, a bit of water, a microwave, and voilà — poached egg perfection on your plate.

Forget about the whirlpools, strainers, and cluttered counter space. With a microwave, you only need a water-filled bowl to serve a ready-to-eat poached egg faster than you can toast your bread. However, overcooking or failing to learn about this method first can make your yolky dreams transform into a rubbery nightmare or worse, explode. So make sure you get your timing right and soon the consistency you achieve with the microwave will be impressive.

Microwaving is a fast, fuss-free, and downright effective way to get a dreamy poached egg. Trust us, you'd have it no other way.