Boiled eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats, as well as being a very affordable source of nutrition.
They’re also incredibly easy to cook, and most people know the classic method of boiling eggs in a pan on the stove top.
However, with our busy modern lives, not everyone has time to stand at the kitchen counter for 10-15 minutes waiting for their eggs to boil.
If you are among those who find your time limited by the demands of work or school, you may want to consider learning how to boil eggs in the microwave instead.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the benefits of microwaving your eggs, essential techniques for reheating them successfully, and how to store them afterwards if you have leftovers.
What are the benefits of boiling eggs in the microwave?
Microwaving your eggs instead of boiling them in water has a number of advantages.
In addition to saving you time (and potentially money on your electricity bill, if you’re boiling more than one egg at a time), it also results in a healthier, less oxidized product, which may be more suitable for those with sensitive stomachs.
The main benefit is that microwaving your eggs will result in a firmer, and slightly more alkaline, yolk. Alkaline eggs have a lower pH, which means they are easier to digest, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
There are also some nutritional differences between microwaving and boiling.
For example, boiling your eggs will produce a whiter yolk due to the higher alkalinity of the water, which also results in a softer texture, compared to the firmer consistency of the microwaved yolk.
Boiling also results in a slightly softer texture than microwaving.
How to boil eggs in the microwave
To boil your eggs in the microwave, you will need to use a microwave safe bowl or dish, as well as some water.
Place the water and eggs in the bowl, and heat in the microwave for between 3 and 5 minutes for every large egg, depending on your microwave and the number of eggs.
As microwaves are a little different from one another, it is always best to start with 3 minutes, and then check to see if the eggs are cooked by piercing with a knife.
If they are not yet ready, continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, checking each time until they are cooked to your liking.
It is important to note that if you have leftover boiled eggs in your fridge, they can be microwaved for 30 seconds or so to reheat them before serving.
Microwave Poaching an Egg
Try this easy method for poaching an egg in the microwave:
Get a glass bowl and add some water and salt (1 teaspoon per cup of water) and bring it to a boil in the microwave.
Now break an egg into a bowl, keeping its yolk intact. Place this bowl in the boiling water and cook on high heat for 2 minutes.
After that turn off the microwave and let it stand inside for 3 minutes. Take out your poached egg with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with toast or bread.
Microwave egg cooking tips
If you are new to microwaving eggs, there are a few tips that can help you get the best results.
Firstly, make sure to use the correct size and amount of water for the number of eggs you are cooking.
The water should form a single layer covering the eggs, but not so much that it would splash out of the bowl. It is also important to note that microwaved eggs are best suited for softer foods.
If you are planning on preparing other foods alongside your boiled eggs, like toast, bacon, or pancakes, try to cook the eggs for a shorter period of time, or use a lower power setting so that they do not overcook.
How do you microwave eggs without exploding?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your egg from exploding in the microwave.
First of all, try to avoid putting the eggs directly on the turntable.
Secondly, make sure that you use a microwave-safe bowl or plate for your eggs.
Thirdly, crack the eggs before putting them into the bowl and add salt to help prevent explosion.
The best way to boil an egg is with a pressure cooker!
If you’ve ever cooked an egg in a pot on the stove, you know how difficult it is to get that perfect consistency. You either end up with an overcooked or undercooked egg…or both!
That’s why using a pressure cooker is such a great idea!
The principle behind this cooking device is simple: it uses steam pressure to cook foods much faster than normal boiling does.
The steam builds up inside and eventually forces itself out through small valves at the top of the lid.
When this happens, it allows more steam to build up until it forces itself out again.
This process repeats over and over until your food is cooked thoroughly and evenly…and fast!
Most pressure cookers have four different settings: high, medium-high, medium-low and low (or off).
There are also some models that can be set for a specific amount of time instead of using one of these settings.
Also Read – Seasoning A New Cast Iron Dutch Oven: How To Do It Right The First Time!
How to store leftover boiled eggs
If you have leftover boiled eggs, you will need to store them in a manner that is both safe and preserves their flavour.
The best way to store boiled eggs is to place them in a sealed airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for up to a week.
Alternatively, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. If you plan on freezing the eggs, you can do so by boiling them as normal, but only for 6 minutes, followed by an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Then, once they are cooled, simply place them in an airtight container or freeze bag and pop them in the freezer for future use.
They will last for up to 3 months, and you will be able to use them when reheating by steaming or microwaving.
Is It Safe To Cook Eggs In A Microwave?
Yes, it is safe to cook eggs in a microwave. However, you should note that microwaving can sometimes cause the egg to explode or get stuck on the side of the microwave.
If this happens, simply wipe down the mess with a damp cloth and you will be good to go.
You should also be aware that microwaving your eggs will cook them much faster than boiling water, so if you are on a time crunch, this may be a better option for you.
Final words
Boiling eggs is really quick and simple, but if you are short on time, microwaving them is a great option that cuts your cooking time down considerably.
To get the best out of microwaved eggs, make sure to use the correct amount and size of water, and remember that they are best suited for soft foods.
Finally, store your leftover boiled eggs correctly to preserve their flavor and freshness, and you can enjoy them at any time of the day.
Read Next – How To Cook Frozen Corn On The Cob In The Microwave