Poached eggs can be a tricky dish to perfect, often resulting in a less-than-ideal soggy mess rather than the desired runny yolk. Despite numerous techniques promising the perfect poached egg for your avocado toast, achieving that ideal rounded shape can still be difficult.
However, restaurant owner and chef Thom Bateman has revealed his foolproof method for creating excellent poached eggs in just minutes. The secret lies in an additional, yet straightforward step.
In a recent TikTok video, he shared his technique, emphasising the importance of using fresh eggs and a relatively deep pan. He warned against shallow pans, stating they are 'not your friend'.
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The crucial extra step involves cracking a room-temperature egg over a sieve to remove the outer white. This process eliminates the wispy parts that often make the dish look messy and unappetising while cooking.
After sieving, place the egg into a small bowl or cup, which can then be lowered into the pan. Thom added: "I prefer to not use vinegar but you absolutely can."
As the water begins to simmer just below boiling, it's essential to give it a gentle stir. Thom's tip for avoiding eggs sticking to the bottom of the pot as you carefully lower them in, reports the Express.
Once the eggs are submerged, keep them moving; a soft stir here and there, or a little 'encouragement', can go a long way in helping them keep a nice shape while they cook.
"Two minutes later, this is what I've got," Thom explained, showcasing the ideally formed poached egg retrieved with a spoon.
He notes, though, that sometimes it might take up to 30 seconds more for the eggs to be done perfectly. If planning ahead, he suggests chilling them on ice and then reheating for 30-40 seconds in warm water when needed.
In the comments section of the tutorial, viewers were full of compliments for Thom's technique. One person said: "That's the most perfect poached egg I've ever seen."
Another wrote: "Poached eggs with truffle and sourdough toasted bread and any morning instantly becomes perfect."
And another raved: "Saving for when I want to try poached eggs."
