HowTo: Poach an Egg Perfectly

Since we've already mastered the fried egg, it's time to move on to a slightly more ambitious task. Apartment Therapy brings us another step-by-step on the art of the egg. This time around, HowTo: poach an egg perfectly.

You Will Need:

• 1 or more eggs
• White vinegar
  
• Water
  
• Small saucepan
  
• Measuring cup with a handle, or a teacup
  
• Slotted spoon
  
• Timer
  
• Plate lined with a paper towel or clean rag

Step 1 Boil your water.

"Bring a small saucepan 3/4-full of water to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to low and bring the water back down to a low simmer. There should just be a few bubbles hitting the surface."

Step 2 Add your white vinegar.

"Add about a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water."

Step 3 Crack the egg!

"Crack the egg into a measuring cup or a small teacup."

Step 4 Simmer.

"Slowly lower the cup into the barely simmering water, and tip the egg out into the water."

Step 5 Set your timer.

"Set the timer for 4 minutes. The egg white should be immediately coagulating in the water."

Step 6 Control the shape.

"Use the slotted spoon to carefully arrange the egg white into a more compact shape, if you desire."

Step 7 Watch your water.

"Keep an eye on the water's heat; make sure it doesn't come back up to a rolling boil."

Step 8 Done!

"After 4 minutes, turn off the heat and remove the egg with the slotted spoon. Place it on the plate lined with a paper towel and gently blot it dry."

For more details, click through to Apartment Therapy.

• Previously, HowTo: Make the Perfect Fried Egg.