Easy Poached Egg

Name: Easy Microwave Poached Egg (60 Seconds)
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cold water; 1 large egg; 1 slice toast, for serving; 2 tbsp cream cheese, for serving

This microwave poached egg delivers tender whites and a runny yolk in just 60 seconds using cold water and basic pantry items. No poaching pan or special equipment required.

🌍American 🏷️Poached egg 🏷️Egg 🏷️Microwave recipe 🏷️Quick breakfast Easy recipe

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🏷️60-second recipe

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TikTok

Total

2 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$11–$18

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

3/4 cup cold water
1 large egg
1 slice toast, for servingoptional
2 tbsp cream cheese, for servingoptional

4 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Pour 3/4 cup of cold water into a microwave-safe measuring cup or mug.
2
Gently crack one egg into the water.
3
Place the cup in the microwave and cook on high for 60 seconds.
4
Carefully remove the cup from the microwave and use a spoon to lift out the poached egg.
5
Serve immediately, for example on a slice of toast with cream cheese.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Start with cold water and a cold egg for even, gentle cooking that prevents the white from overcooking before the yolk sets.
Use a microwave-safe bowl with at least 3–4 inches of depth to prevent splashing and allow water to circulate around the egg.
Pierce the yolk lightly with a fork or knife tip before microwaving to prevent it from bursting under pressure.
Let the egg rest in hot water for 10–15 seconds after microwaving to finish cooking the very center without drying out the white.

Substitutions

1 large egg → 2 quail eggs (reduce cooking time to 40–45 seconds)
Cold water → vegetable or chicken broth (adds subtle flavor without changing cooking time)

Storage & make-ahead

Poached eggs are best eaten immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently in simmering water for 30–45 seconds.

Equipment

microwave-safe bowl · microwave

Common Questions

Can you poach an egg in the microwave?

Yes. Place a cold egg in cold water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 60 seconds. The egg white sets while the yolk stays runny.

Why use cold water instead of hot water?

Cold water heats gradually, giving the egg white time to set evenly without overcooking the yolk or creating tough, rubbery whites.

How do you know when the poached egg is done?

The white should be opaque and set around the yolk, while the center remains soft. At 60 seconds, the yolk should still jiggle slightly when the bowl moves.