What is the cooking time for poached eggs?

The cooking time for poached eggs is typically around 3 to 3.5 minutes. This duration allows the egg white to set while keeping the yolk runny, achieving that desired soft and creamy texture. At this specific time range, the whites will be firm enough to hold their shape, yet the yolk will remain partially uncooked for that classic poached egg experience.

While shorter cooking times may result in less firm whites, cooking for much longer can lead to a fully cooked yolk rather than the tender, runny center that poached eggs are known for. Therefore, 3 to 3.5 minutes strikes the right balance for perfectly poached eggs.