How to Keep Eggs From Sticking in a Poaching Pan

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Nonstick cooking spray

  • Pastry brush

  • Olive oil

  • Vegetable oil

  • Softened butter

  • Rubber spatula

Slide your eggs out from the pan slowly to keep them from breaking.

Poached eggs are fragile — having a runny mess for breakfast isn't too appealing. Use a regular pan or a pan made especially for poaching eggs, which includes a set of cups that lie above simmering water; the hot water cooks the eggs to your desired consistency. The cups in poaching pans help keep the eggs separated, which helps when cooking a number of eggs at once. Because the eggs come into contact with the cups, keeping them from sticking is essential.

Advertisement

Step 1

Use a poaching pan with a nonstick surface, which poaching pans typically have. The nonstick surface helps ensure the eggs don't stick to the sides of the pan. However, even if the pan is nonstick, it still needs to be greased to ensure nothing sticks to it.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Spray each poaching cup with nonstick cooking spray, or brush some vegetable oil, olive oil or softened butter into each cup. Spread enough oil or butter into the cups to coat them evenly. Certain poaching pans have decorative cups that may have small grooves. Be sure to spread the oil or butter in the grooves, where the eggs may stick even more.

Advertisement

Step 3

Warm your poaching pan over medium heat before dropping your eggs into it. You want the water to be simmering before adding the eggs. Cook the eggs according to the pan's instructions.

Step 4

Gently slide a small rubber spatula around the bottom and sides of each poached egg when you're ready to serve them. This ensures that the egg doesn't stick to the sides of the poaching cups.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references