Poach Your Scrambled Eggs For Shockingly Creamy Results

There are few things as satisfying as starting the day with the perfect plate of scrambled eggs, and if you're aiming to make them incredibly creamy, there's no shortage of techniques to achieve that goal. Some people remove the eggs from the hot pan before they're fully cooked to prevent them from turning rubbery; others add milk, cream, yogurt, or crème fraîche to achieve a more decadent consistency.

For those eager to cook their eggs swiftly and bypass the post-scramble pan scrubbing, consider poaching your scrambled eggs for a delightfully creamy, silky dish that might surpass any version prepared in a pan.

If you're proficient at poaching eggs (or have watched plenty of food shows featuring the technique), this method will seem familiar. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then bring slightly salted water to a boil in a large pot. Use a spoon to rapidly swirl the water in a clockwise direction before pouring the beaten eggs into the vortex's center. Cover with a lid, wait for 40 seconds, then use a strainer to separate the eggs from the water. The final step is to season and serve; the silky eggs will practically melt in your mouth.

While poaching scrambled eggs differs from poaching whole eggs, the technique is fundamentally the same, requiring adherence to best practices for poaching. First, avoid plunging your beaten eggs into water that is too hot. The water should be at a low boil; anything more risks overcooking the eggs. Although you don't need to raid your backyard henhouse, using the freshest eggs possible is crucial for achieving thick whites. Farm-fresh eggs are ideal, but grocery store eggs are also suitable. If you're unsure about their freshness, crack the eggs individually into a fine mesh strainer or a slotted spoon to remove any thinner whites.

For any recipe, having all your ingredients and tools prepared before you start is beneficial. Given the brief cooking time for poached eggs, you won't have a moment to spare to prepare your strainer while the eggs are cooking. Therefore, placing your strainer in the sink in advance is essential. Moreover, to avoid watery eggs, use your slotted spoon to press out any excess water they may have absorbed.

There are numerous ways to enhance these simple eggs, from adding a dollop of pesto, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or fresh herbs, to incorporating a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a drizzle of hollandaise.

If you're aiming to create a heartier meal, transform your scrambled eggs into a topping by serving them over sausage gravy, cheesy grits, or even whipped feta for a tangy twist. You can also consider stuffing them into warm tortillas for a super-quick breakfast quesadilla, or spooning them into avocado halves for an easy, low-carb breakfast.

This recipe isn't just for breakfast. Sandwich the eggs between slices of bread with meats, veggies, and cheese for a protein-packed meal at any time of the day. Alternatively, if you're in need of a quick but delicious weeknight meal, simply toss the finished scramble into a simple stir-fry or fried rice.