Freshly cooked for 3 minutes poached egg with runny yolk, served on a toasted slice of bread with mashed avocado, finished with fresh green herbs on a plate.

Poached Eggs (Vortex Method)

Eggs are poached using the whirlpool method. This approach lets the whites wrap neatly around the yolk, creating a clean shape with a creamy center.

March 3, 2026
10 min Cooking time

Nutrition per 100g

138.8 kcal
12.6g protein
0.8g carbs
0.4g sugars
9.6g fat
3.2g sat. fat
0.4g salt

Ingredients

1 servings g (g/serving)
  • 1piece Eggs

Method

  1. Fill a saucepan 2/3 full with water. Bring it to a simmer until you see small bubbles rising to the surface. ( It shoud be nearly 85°C).

  2. Crack one egg (straight from the fridge) into a small cup or ramekin.

  3. Using a spoon, create a steady whirlpool in the simmering water.

  4. Bring the cup close to the surface, gently tilt it to minimize the drop distance, and slide the egg into the center of the vortex.

  5. Let it cook undisturbed. Allow about 3 minutes for a runny, creamy yolk, 4–5 minutes for a gently set one, or 6–8 minutes for a nearly set, pillow‑like texture.

  6. Carefully lift the egg out with a slotted spoon, allow the excess water to drain, then gently dab the egg with a paper towel before plating.

  7. Repeat the process for each additional egg, creating a vortex every time.

  8. Serve on a toasted slice of bread, or pair with your favorite side dishes.

Storage

At room temperature: store for up to 2 hours. For the best texture, serving immediately is recommended.

In the fridge: After poaching to your desired consistency, immediately plunge the eggs into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Store them submerged in a container of cold water for up to 2 days. To serve, reheat by placing them in simmering water for 30-60 seconds.

Freezing is not recommended; it affects the texture, making the eggs rubbery and watery once thawed.

Notes

Keep the water at a gentle simmer, around 85 °C, below this, the whites set too slowly and spread into wisps; above 90°C, the water boils too vigorously and tears the delicate whites apart.

The vortex technique works best with one egg at a time. A single swirl allows the whites to wrap neatly around the yolk, forming a proper shape without wispy white strips. Adding multiple eggs into the same vortex may lead to clumping, so it’s best to poach eggs one by one.

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