Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has unveiled his simple yet effective method for creating the “perfect” poached egg, emphasising that precise timing is key to a delightful breakfast treat.
In a recent TikTok video, the 53-year-old chef, known for owning The Hand & Flowers pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire-the UK’s first pub to earn two Michelin stars-addressed one of the most common culinary questions: how to poach an egg correctly.
Tom began by heating water to a simmer in a pan, then added a splash of vinegar to egg cups. He instructed viewers to stir the simmering water until it formed a gentle vortex. After cracking the eggs into the cups, he carefully placed them into the centre of the swirling water.
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“I’m just going to leave them there to gently poach,” he explained.
The key, he said, is the cooking duration. “After about three minutes, you can remove them and season with a pinch of salt and pepper,” Tom said. “And there you have it, the perfect poached eggs.”
The addition of vinegar prompted some curiosity among viewers. Tom clarified in the comments that vinegar can be omitted, but doing so may require an extra minute or two of cooking time.
Beyond perfecting poached eggs, Tom Kerridge recently discussed a type of ingredient that he never incorporates into his menus, despite its popularity elsewhere. When asked on TikTok about ingredients that will never appear in his kitchen, he cited exotic meats such as ostrich and crocodile, stating they simply do not align with his culinary style.
Tom’s culinary journey began in professional kitchens where he gained valuable experience before rising to senior roles. His reputation was solidified in 2005 with The Hand & Flowers, which became a renowned destination for produce-driven, ambitious cuisine.
In addition to running his restaurants, Tom has become a familiar media figure through cookbooks and television appearances, notably on the BBC’s Great British Menu, where he has served both as a contestant and, more recently, as a judge. His approach, often described as “posh pub grub,” has brought elevated British comfort food to a wider audience.