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1. Prepare the Water
Fill the Saucepan: Fill a saucepan with about 3-4 inches of water. The water should be deep enough to fully submerge the eggs.
Heat the Water: Heat the water over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Small bubbles should form on the bottom of the pan, but the water should not be boiling.
Add Vinegar: Add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water. This helps the egg whites coagulate more quickly, resulting in a neater poached egg. Adding vinegar is optional but recommended.
2. Prepare the Eggs
Crack the Egg into a Bowl: Crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin. This helps ensure the yolk stays intact and makes it easier to slide the egg into the water.
Check for Freshness: Fresh eggs will hold together better. If the egg whites spread out too much, it’s a sign that the egg is not very fresh.
3. Poach the Eggs
Create a Whirlpool (Optional): For a more compact poached egg, use a spoon to stir the water in the saucepan to create a gentle whirlpool. This helps the egg white wrap around the yolk more tightly.
Slide the Egg into the Water: Carefully slide the egg from the bowl into the center of the whirlpool or directly into the simmering water if not using the whirlpool method.
Poach the Egg: Let the egg cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolk is done to your liking. For a runny yolk, aim for 3 minutes; for a firmer yolk, cook for 4-5 minutes.
Remove the Egg: Use a slotted spoon to gently lift the poached egg out of the water. Allow any excess water to drain off.
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