The best eggs for poaching are the freshest eggs you can find. If eggs are more than a week old, the whites thin out. Whites of fresh eggs will gather compactly around the yolk, making a rounder, neater shape.

(1)  Use a pan that is at least 3-inches deep so there is enough water to cover the eggs, and they do not stick to the bottom of the pan. Also make sure your pan is wide enough to hold all the eggs you will be poaching, as you don't want the eggs to stick together. NOTE: I like to use a non-stick pan so the poached eggs will not stick to the bottom of the pan.


(2)  Working with the eggs, one by one, break or crack each egg onto a saucer, ramekin, small cups, or bowls. We're doing this for two reasons: So you won't break the yolk and it prevents adding bad eggs. Place all cups of eggs so that they are convenient to the stove.
 

(3)  If the water is too cool, the egg will separate apart before it cooks; if your water is too hot, you will end up with tough whites and an over-cooked yolk.

Water Temperature:  You will want to bring the water to a temperature of about 160 to 180ºF (71-82ºC). As a rule of thumb, bring the water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer before cooking.

To obtain the correct temperature, spin the boiling water with a spoon to cool down the water before you drop in the egg. I like to use my instant-read thermometer to test the water temperature (adjust heat to maintain the proper temperature).

Do not drop the egg into boiling water (212ºF or 100ºC). This will negatively affect the taste and texture of your eggs.
 

(4)  Slip eggs carefully into slowly or gently simmering water by lowering the lip of each egg cup 1/2-inch below the surface of the water.

Let the eggs flow out. Don't put too many eggs in the pot at one time. If the yolk breaks as you crack the egg or as you are putting the egg in the water, that egg is a goner. Pull it out and use it for something else or perhaps someone wants scrambled eggs instead.

With a spoon, gently nudge the egg whites closer to their yolks.

Immediately cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Don't disturb the egg/eggs once you have put it in the water!

(5)  Set a timer for exactly 3 minutes for medium-firm yolks. Adjust the time up or down for runnier or firmer yolks. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, depending on firmness desired. You can test for softness/firmness by lifting an egg on a spoon and gently pressing a finger on the yolk.
 

(6)  Remove from water with slotted spoon. Remove each egg in succession after they have each cooked for the doneness you want. NOTE: Keep track of which egg went into the water first and remove in the same order.

Lift each perfectly poached egg from the water with a slotted spoon, but hold it over the skillet briefly to let any water clinging to the egg drain off. Drain well before serving.

Optional:  Put the finished poached eggs in a bowl of cold water. This stops the cooking.
 

(7)  To serve best-quality poach eggs, the poached eggs should be served as soon as they are pulled from the water and drained. They cool down quickly and once cold, they're not as desirable for the diner.