How to Microwave Soft-Boiled Eggs

You can achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg by using a microwave.

The microwave has given us a great ease with which to cook all types of food, including eggs. The cooking period can be exactly timed, allowing peace of mind and perfectly cooked eggs. Although using a microwave to soft-boil your eggs may take as much preparation time as the stove-top method, it doesn't require any supervision once the cooking time has been set. With the proper cooking time, your microwaved soft-boiled eggs should result in a firm egg white with a runny yellow yolk.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden pick
• 1 medium egg
• 1/2 tsp. melted butter
• Mug or small bowl
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Coat the inside of the cup/bowl with melted butter. Crack the egg into it, then gently pierce the yolk with the pick. Creating an opening in the membrane will allow the steam to escape, otherwise the yolk will explode from the pressure.

2. Cover the top of the cup gently with plastic wrap. Leave one small corner open to allow for escaping steam. Set the microwave to medium-high, about 70 percent.

3. Microwave the egg for one minute, then let it stand for another minute--the egg continues to cook after it is removed from the microwave, and it will be initially undercooked unless it sits for a minute. Remove the plastic wrap and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have high cholesterol, instead of coating the cup in butter, extra virgin olive oil or unsaturated margarine can be used.

• The Alberta Egg Producers specifically state on their website not to microwave eggs in their shell unless it is in a device specifically designed for that purpose; otherwise, this could result in exploding eggs and potential injury.

• Always make sure to cook eggs thoroughly, as they may carry salmonella.

References

• Ellen's Kitchen: Eggs FAQs: Selection, Storage, Safety and Hard to Find Cooking Methods
• What's Cooking America: How to Boil Eggs
• Alberta Egg Producers: About Eggs: FAQ