How to Poach Eggs Perfectly Every Time

There are lots of ways to poach an egg, and this method is the clear winner.

A splash of white vinegar adds a touch of acidity and helps the egg whites set faster.

Ingredients

4largeeggs

1/4cupdistilledwhite vinegar

Break each egg into a small bowl.

a photo of the eggs cracked into four individual glass bowls

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

Fill a large, straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven with 2 inches of water; bring to a boil.

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 egg being poured into the pot

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

Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.

a photo of the eggs being scooped out of the pot

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