How to Poach an Egg – Tips from Keizer Culinair
In the culinary world, few techniques appear as simple yet demand as much precision as poaching an egg. A perfectly poached egg is soft, elegant, and elevates any dish to the next level. At Keizer Culinair, the premier cooking school in Amsterdam, you’ll learn during our inspiring cooking workshops how to master this classic technique completely.
Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your technique, we guide you step by step.
What is a Poached Egg?
A poached egg is prepared without its shell, in hot water just below boiling point. Adding a small amount of vinegar helps the egg white set faster, keeping the egg nice and compact. The result?
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A runny yolk
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Firm, smooth egg white
This preparation is ideal for:
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Brunch dishes such as eggs Benedict
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On toast or in salads
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With a creamy risotto
Tip: the fresher the egg, the better it holds its shape when poached.
How to Poach an Egg in Four Simple Steps
- Heat water in a pan until just below boiling (85–90°C / 185–194°F).
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Add a splash of vinegar to the water.
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Stir the water with a spoon to create a whirlpool, then gently slip a fresh egg into the center.
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Poach the egg for 3 minutes, lift it out with a slotted spoon, and briefly drain it on kitchen paper.
Put it into practice at Keizer Culinair
In our Pure Dutch cooking workshop, the poached egg often features on the menu. Why?
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It’s a great technique to master
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It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes
In the workshops, you’ll not only learn how to poach eggs perfectly, but also how to combine flavors to balance your dish. Think, for example, of a traditional Groningen mustard soup with smoked cod.
Our workshops are ideal for:
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Beginners who want to learn the technique
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Advanced cooks looking to refine their skills
Whether you come with a small or large group, you’ll always benefit from personal guidance from experienced chefs. This way, you get the most out of your cooking experience and receive practical tips you can apply immediately.
Ready to get started?
Want to experience how fun and educational it is to learn classic cooking techniques? Then check out our current selection of cooking workshops.
Keizer Culinair, it’s all about:
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Flavor
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Experience
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Cooking with care
Whether you want to plan a team outing, a fun evening with friends, or an individual workshop, there’s always a suitable option.



