Microwave eggs recipes: scrambled, poached & more
When mornings get busy, microwaved eggs are a quick, nutritious option to fuel your family and get them on their way. Because microwaves work fast, they can offer a convenient alternative to stovetop cooking. Learn how to scramble and poach eggs in surprising ways that may get you re-thinking your morning routine.
Select a link below to learn about cooking eggs in a microwave:
How to make scrambled eggs in a microwave
Fluffy, moist scrambled eggs are just as easy to achieve in the microwave as on the stovetop. Microwave eggs also need less monitoring, so you can keep your day moving as you cook. Follow these steps to whip up soft, flavorful scrambled eggs quickly in the microwave:
Ingredients
- Eggs (at least 2)
- Salt and pepper
- Milk or water (optional)
Step 1: Whisk together ingredients
Grease a microwave-safe bowl and crack your desired amount of eggs into it. For softer scrambled eggs, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of liquid per egg. Water will result in a fluffier texture, while milk will create a richer flavor but heavier texture. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Microwave the eggs
Cook egg mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds, uncovered. Remove the eggs and stir with a fork. Microwave for 20 more seconds and stir again. Continue to microwave in 10 second increments until the eggs have almost set.
Step 3: Set eggs aside, then serve
Stir in any add-ons you want, like grated cheese or scallions. Cover the eggs with a paper towel and set them aside for about a minute until the eggs have set. Serve them warm.
Cooking tip: Experiment with power levels
Your microwave likely has power settings labeled as percentages or High, Medium and Low levels. If your eggs aren’t turning out the way you’d like, try reducing the microwave power to 60% or Medium for gentler cooking. Learn more about microwave power settings.
How to poach eggs in a microwave
Poaching eggs in the microwave is a great alternative to poaching on the stovetop, which requires some skill. Poached eggs are a healthy yet luxurious addition to breakfast, lunch or dinner and can be done in just a few simple steps:
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup room-temperature water
- Splash of white vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Pour the water into a microwave-safe mug, then crack the egg into the water. If you have white vinegar on hand, add a splash to help hold the egg together in the water. Prick the egg yolk with a toothpick or knife to prevent it from exploding.
Step 2: Cook the egg
Cover the mug with a plate or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Take it out and check the egg: if the whites are still clear, cook it for another ten seconds. Continue until the egg whites are opaque but the yolk is still runny.
Step 3: Remove the egg from the mug
Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg gently from the mug. Place it on a plate topped with paper towel to absorb the water. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Eat your egg by itself or add it to toast, salads, roasted vegetables and more.
How to microwave hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a versatile ingredient you can eat on its own as a snack or add to a variety of dishes. They're great for convenient, clean eating and can be made in the microwave so you can avoid waiting for water to boil. Keep in mind that microwave wattage varies and you may need to experiment with cook times.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Water
- Salt
Step 1: Fill a bowl with water and eggs
Put your desired amount of eggs into a large microwave-safe bowl. Fill the bowl with warm water until the eggs are completely submerged plus some. Add a ½ tsp. of salt per egg to help prevent cracking.
Step 2: Microwave the eggs
If you’re making two eggs, cook them on high for 5 minutes. Add 30 seconds for every additional egg. Let them sit for one minute after the microwave stops, then cook again for the same amount of time. Check one egg to see if it is cooked to your desired doneness. If not, microwave again in two minute increments or let the eggs sit in the hot water for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cool the eggs
Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water or put them in the fridge uncovered. Peel them when they are cool to the touch and serve cold.
How to make microwave fried eggs
A fried egg is different from other types of eggs because it is cooked in fat. A skillet on the stovetop is probably the best and most convenient way to fry an egg but, if you don’t have access to a stove, a microwave will do.
Ingredients
- Oil or butter
- Egg
- Salt and pepper
Step 1: Combine ingredients
Put a small amount of oil or melted butter in the bottom of an average-sized bowl. Keep in mind that the bottom of the bowl will form the shape of the egg, so make sure it is a proper width. Crack one or two eggs into the bowl. Pierce the egg yolks so they do not explode while cooking. Season with salt and pepper if you’d like.
Step 2: Cook the egg
Cover the bowl with a plate, plastic wrap or a wet rag. Microwave on high for 30 seconds per egg. Check doneness and flip the egg(s) if desired. Cover again and cook for 10 second intervals until the egg(s) are cooked to your liking.
How to microwave egg whites
Cooking egg whites in the microwave is a similar process to cooking scrambled eggs with a yolk. It’s quick, convenient, and a great way to throw together a nutritious breakfast without standing over the stovetop.
Ingredients
- Eggs (at least 2)
- Milk or water
- Salt and pepper
Step 1: Separate eggs
Get out two medium bowls and grease one of them. Crack one egg at a time into your bare hand. Separate your fingers slightly so the egg white flows through your fingers into the greased bowl beneath. Move the egg from hand to hand as the egg white continues to separate from the yolk.
Step 2: Whisk together ingredients
Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of liquid per egg if desired. Water will result in a fluffier texture, while milk will create a richer flavor but heavier texture. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the eggs
Cook egg mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds, uncovered. Remove the eggs and stir with a fork. Microwave for 20 seconds more and stir again. Continue to microwave in 10 second increments until the eggs have almost set.
Step 4: Set eggs aside, then serve
Stir in any add-ons you want, like grated cheese or scallions. Cover the eggs with a paper towel and set them aside for around a minute until the eggs have set. Serve them warm.
How to make a microwaved omelet
Omelets can also be made in the microwave, but won’t need to be stirred like scrambled eggs and offer the option to add some tasty toppings. A mug or small bowl is ideal to keep the omelet moist. It won’t result in the omelet shape you’re familiar with but will be just as delicious.
Ingredients
- Eggs (at least 2)
- Salt and pepper
- Desired filling
Step 1: Whisk the eggs
Grease a microwave-safe mug or small bowl, and crack your desired amount of eggs into it. Season them with salt and pepper as well as any other spices you prefer. Whisk the eggs until well combined.
Step 2: Microwave the eggs
Microwave the eggs for one minute, uncovered. Remove them and add toppings like cheese, cooked meat, onions, herbs, peppers or other vegetables. Do not stir. Microwave again for 30 seconds and check progress. Continue to microwave in 10 second increments until the eggs are cooked through.
Frequently asked questions about microwaving eggs
Can you cook eggs in a microwave?
Yes. You can scramble and poach eggs in the microwave, and you can even make a small, single-serving omelet in a cup. Using the microwave instead of the stovetop helps cut back on dirty dishes and lets you step away while you tackle some of your day’s to-dos.
Can you microwave an egg in a cup or mug?
Yes. A cup keeps the eggs contained and can help trap moisture so they don’t dry out. Simply crack a couple eggs into the cup and whisk them until well combined. Microwave for around a minute, stopping halfway through to stir for scrambled eggs or add toppings if you want an omelet-like meal.
How do I microwave an egg without it exploding?
If you are microwaving an egg outside of the shell, pierce the yolk to ensure it doesn’t explode while cooking and leave behind a sticky mess. Generally, eggs shouldn’t be microwaved inside the shell: steam can build up under the shell and lead to cracking and explosion or spillage. If an accident does happen, read our article on how to clean a microwave.
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