Eggs are a versatile ingredient usually cooked in a pan on the hob, but TikTok user and mother recommends a simpler method that forgoes both.
The @jennifervalentyne, a self-described “mum who loves cooking, cocktails and comedy”, regularly shares recipes on her account. Her followers were wowed by her uncomplicated egg technique, which avoids the hob entirely.
Rather than using the traditional stove method, Jennifer proposes making poached eggs in the microwave. The only things you require are a cup of water, a splash of vinegar, and of course, a microwave.
Vinegar is lauded as a key component in creating the perfect poached egg because its acidic properties speed up the protein coagulation process and help eggs retain their form.
Despite the prominent taste and scent of vinegar, merely a couple of drops won’t impact the taste of the egg too much. Any vinegar will do the trick; however, most culinary experts recommend using white vinegar as it doesn’t affect the egg’s appearance due to its clear colour.
Darker vinegars, such as balsamic, are typically avoided in poaching eggs as they may tint the egg an unattractive shade of brown.
In the clip, Jennifer says: “The easiest poached egg you’ve ever made. Add one teaspoon of vinegar to a cup of cold water and then add your egg.”
After placing the cup with vinegar and egg into the microwave, the TikTok mum advises microwaving for one minute. Just like that, it should come out perfectly. She added: “I put it on my sprouted grain toast and add a little salt and paper.”
Upon slicing the egg open, a glistening runny yolk cascaded out. She declares: “That’s beautiful, look at that, perfect.”
In the comments section, other users chimed in with their experiences. One commented: “This works! We love it! Now my son can add an egg to his cup of ramen.” Another observed: “You don’t need the vinegar! It works perfectly without it.”
However, some suggested a need for longer microwaving time. A third said: “So, I tried it and it needed more than a minute for me but it worked.”
This was echoed by another person who wrote: “Worked for me but had to go 20 to 30 seconds more! I even made more than one without starting over with cold water! Easiest poached egg I’ve ever made!”