How to Poach Eggs Perfectly Every Time

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There are lots of ways to poach an egg, and this method is the clear winner. While it may seem fussy, cracking the eggs into individual bowls makes it easier to add them to the simmering water, plus it ensures the yolk stays intact. A splash of white vinegar adds a touch of acidity and helps the egg whites set faster. Enjoy these perfectly poached eggs with a slice of whole-grain toast or use them in a dish like eggs Benedict.

By
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun

As EatingWell's Associate Editorial Director, Carolyn Malcoun searches for cool farmers, chefs and other food stories to tell. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a culinary arts degree from New England Culinary Institute. She started at EatingWell as an intern in the Test Kitchen in 2005 and joined the editorial team soon after.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on March 25, 2024
Tested by
Matthew Francis
Matthew Francis
Tested by Matthew Francis
Matthew Francis is a chef, senior producer and director for Dotdash Meredith’s seven iconic food brands and produces and stars in the bright and instructional video series from EatingWell, Fresh & Simple.
Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Diabetes-Appropriate Nut-Free Dairy-Free Soy-Free Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Gluten-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

Directions

  1. Break each egg into a small bowl. Fill a large, straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven with 2 inches of water; bring to a boil. Add vinegar. Reduce to a gentle simmer: the water should be steaming and small bubbles should come up from the bottom of the pan.

    a photo of the eggs cracked into four individual glass bowls

    Photographer Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Claire Spollen

  2. Submerging the lip of each bowl into the simmering water, gently add the eggs, one at a time.

    a photo of the egg being poured into the pot

    Photographer Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Claire Spollen

  3. Cook for 4 minutes for soft set, 5 minutes for medium set and 8 minutes for hard set. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a clean dish towel to drain for a minute.

    a photo of the eggs being scooped out of the pot

    Photographer Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Claire Spollen

EatingWell.com, March 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

72 Calories
5g Fat
0g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 egg
Calories 72
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 6g 13%
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 186mg 62%
Vitamin A 80µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 1µg
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 24µg
Vitamin K 0µg
Sodium 71mg 3%
Calcium 28mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Magnesium 6mg 1%
Potassium 69mg 1%
Zinc 1mg 6%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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