If you love poached eggs but find making them intimidating, you’ll appreciate making them in the Instant Pot.
Poached eggs are technically boiled, but they differ from the traditionally boiled egg. Hard-boiled eggs are boiled while still in the shell. Poached eggs, on the other hand, are cracked directly into swirled boiling water, the shell being discarded before cooking.
The word “poached” comes from the French word poché, meaning small pouch or pocket. That’s exactly what you get—a little pocket of silky egg with a golden, runny yolk. And while eggs on their own are pretty mild in flavor, that just means they’re the perfect canvas for a variety of interesting flavors… like a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a spoonful of hollandaise sauce, to name a few.
But poaching eggs can be a bit tricky (and kind of intimidating), especially for newbies. You have to get several factors just right: the swirl of the water, a dash of vinegar, and the timing. But, I have a foolproof workaround. This Instant Pot method is about to be your new best friend. It’s quick, easy, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a pot of swirling water in the first place.
Are Instant-Pot Poached Eggs Healthy?
Eggs are fabulously healthy and a great addition to your diet. They are full of protein, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. They’re also a rare source of choline, a nutrient most people don’t get enough of. Poached eggs are a healthier alternative to scrambled or fried eggs cooked in butter or oil, since they contain much less fat. They are also one of the rare foods that suit many diets, except for the vegan diet.
Always Poach Cold Eggs
When poaching eggs the traditional way (in boiling water), it’s important that you keep them cold straight from the fridge. Don’t let them come to room temperature first. You want the eggs to keep their shape as they cook, and temperature plays a part in this.
Cold eggs are simply less runny, so they hold their shape better when plunked into the boiling water. The temperature shock from cold to hot helps the whites solidify faster, giving the egg less opportunity to leave stringy wisps of egg white floating around the pot. For this recipe, we’re poaching the egg in silicone cups, so this won’t be as important. But if you ever want to try the OG method, keep temperature in mind.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover poached eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. After that, the eggs will get slimy and won’t taste as good. Don’t freeze poached eggs, as they won’t hold up well unless they are mixed in with other foods.
Serving Suggestions
Remember the jingle, “The incredible, edible egg?” It still stands true. Eggs are perfect in the morning, noon, and night. Poached eggs are wonderfully light and delicate, making them an ideal companion with other foods. For breakfast, I love to pair them with Air-Fryer Breakfast Sausage, Fluffy Pancakes, or Buttermilk Waffles.
You could also pair your poached eggs with a Cottage Cheese Sandwich or Honey-Garlic Chickpea Wrap for a healthy lunch or dinner. If you enjoy a fried egg on top of your burger, try a poached egg next time. Combining a Sweet Potato Veggie Burger with a poached egg creates a meal that feels sinful but is actually good for you.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water room temperature
- oil or oil spray for greasing
- 4 large eggs
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Insert the trivet into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
- Grease 4 silicone egg cups or small ceramic bowls with oil and position them on the trivet.
- Carefully crack an egg into each greased cup.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the "Steam" function and set the timer for your desired egg consistency: 2 minutes for soft whites and runny yolks, 3 minutes for soft whites and slightly set yolks, or 4 minutes for firm whites and solid yolks.
- Once the timer beeps, quickly release the pressure by switching the valve to the venting position, then carefully open the lid.
- Remove the egg cups from the Instant Pot, discarding any condensation water on top.
- Gently transfer the poached eggs onto a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess moisture.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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