I know I sound stupid..how long do I poach an egg for so the yolk is hard?do I boil the water then add the egg!
Answers: boil the water, then add the egg in and boil for at least 8 mins. Time ranges from 8-15, determining how hard you want the yolk to be. Soft boiled is 2-3 minutes. Medium soft is 4-5 minutes, and medium is 6-7 minutes.
Always use fresh eggs. If you can't see the difference between the "thick" white and the "thin" white, the yolks will probably break in the pan. Always deliver the eggs to the pan with a custard cup or large spoon. Avoid cracking directly into the pan. When using a non-stick skillet cook in no more than an inch of water. If you don't have a non-stick pan, poach in a deep saucepan containing at least 3 inches of water. Always acidulate the poaching liquid with either vinegar or lemon juice (1 tsp per each cup of water). Bring liquid to a boil, add eggs, then remove from heat and cover. How long you ask? It depends on how many eggs. I like my yolks barely runny so I'll cook 4 eggs for 7 to 8 minutes depending on there size. Since more eggs will absorb more heat from the water, they will take longer to cook, so for large batches always include an extra "test" egg. Always remove eggs with a slotted spoon. Poached eggs can be refrigerated in ice water for up to 8 hours, then reheated in hot water. Do not re-boil.
Simmer it until the yolk is solid. Test by piercing with a sharp paring knife or a fork. It doesn't take more than 4-5 min.
you brake the egg into a soft boil (more like a simmer). 3-5 minutes should be enough.....
Add 1 teaspoon vinegar to a pan of water, bring to boil and break the egg into the water, reduce to simmer and cook for 4 mins
Bring the water to a rolling boil and swirl it with a spoon and pour the egg from a saucer into the middle of the vortex. I like my yolk soft and boil for 5 mins medium egg and 6 mins large egg, so add about 3 mins to that and the yolk shoud be hard.
Approx 4-5 mins