How to Poach Egg in Microwave

Can You Really Poach an Egg in the Microwave?

Yes — and it works surprisingly well. A microwave poached egg takes about 1 minute and requires nothing more than a mug, water, and an egg. The result is a tender white with a soft, runny yolk — perfect for eggs Benedict, avocado toast, or a quick protein-packed breakfast.

Step-by-Step: How to Poach an Egg in the Microwave

What You Need

1 large egg
A deep microwave-safe mug or bowl (at least 8 oz / 240ml)
½ cup (120ml) of water
A pinch of salt (optional)
A microwave-safe plate to cover the mug

Step 1: Add Water to the Mug

Pour ½ cup of water into a deep microwave-safe mug. The water needs to be deep enough to fully submerge the egg — at least 1.5 inches (4cm) deep. A shallow bowl won't work as well.

Step 2: Crack the Egg Into the Water

Gently crack the egg directly into the water. Don't stir — let the egg settle naturally at the bottom of the mug.

Step 3: Pierce the Yolk

Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently pierce the yolk once. This is critical — without piercing, pressure builds up inside the yolk and it can explode during or after microwaving.

Step 4: Cover the Mug

Place a microwave-safe plate or splatter cover over the top of the mug. This traps steam and helps the egg white cook evenly from all sides.

👉 We recommend: Microwave Splatter Cover with Anti-Scald Base Plate (BPA-Free Silicone, 10.7 inch)

Step 5: Microwave at 70% Power for 60–80 Seconds

Microwave at 70% power for 60 seconds. Check the egg — the white should be mostly set and the yolk still soft. If the white is still very translucent, add 10–15 seconds at a time until just set.

Timing varies by microwave wattage:

High-wattage microwave (1000W+): 60–70 seconds
Medium-wattage (700–900W): 70–90 seconds

Step 6: Remove with a Slotted Spoon

Carefully lift the egg out of the water with a slotted spoon. Let excess water drain for a few seconds, then serve immediately.

Use a Dedicated Egg Poacher for Consistent Results

If you poach eggs regularly, a microwave egg poacher takes the guesswork out of the process. It's designed to hold the egg in the right amount of water at the right depth, giving consistent results every time.

👉 We recommend: Egg Poacher Microwavable with Measure Cup, Dishwashable

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Fix
White still runny	Not enough time	Add 10 sec intervals
Yolk fully cooked / hard	Too much time	Reduce by 10–15 sec next time
Egg exploded	Yolk not pierced	Always pierce yolk before microwaving
White rubbery	Full power used	Use 70% power only
Uneven cooking	Mug too shallow	Use a deeper mug with more water

Serving Ideas

On avocado toast with red pepper flakes
On top of a grain bowl with tahini
Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon and hollandaise
On a bed of wilted spinach with lemon
On top of ramen or instant noodles

What to Avoid

❌ Don't skip piercing the yolk — it will explode
❌ Don't use full power — white turns rubbery
❌ Don't use a shallow bowl — egg needs to be submerged
❌ Don't overcook — check at 60 seconds and add time gradually

Final Thoughts

Microwave poached eggs are one of the best kitchen hacks for a fast, protein-rich breakfast. Pierce the yolk, use 70% power, and check at 60 seconds — you'll have a perfect poached egg in about a minute with almost no cleanup.

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