If you’ve ever wondered how to make the perfect poached egg, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has shared a straightforward method that promises delicious results. Known for his culinary expertise at The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire-the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars-Kerridge recently demonstrated his technique in a TikTok video.
He acknowledged that among the most common questions he receives is how to poach an egg properly. Emphasising the importance of using fresh eggs, Kerridge advises starting with a pan of water heated until it reaches a gentle simmer. Adding a splash of vinegar to the water helps the eggs keep their shape during cooking.
Kerridge instructs stirring the water to create a gentle vortex before carefully slipping the eggs from cups into the centre of the pan. Then, they should be left to poach quietly without disturbance. The key to success lies in timing: after approximately three minutes, the eggs should be ready to remove.
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Once taken out, a pinch of salt and pepper completes the dish, resulting in what Kerridge calls “the perfect poached eggs”. Clarifying questions from viewers, he explained that the vinegar is optional but skipping it might mean the eggs take a minute or two longer to cook.
Beyond eggs, Kerridge has previously shared insights into his kitchen preferences, revealing that certain exotic meats like ostrich or crocodile will never appear on his menus. He honed his skills across various kitchens before establishing The Hand & Flowers as a destination for refined, ingredient-driven pub cuisine in 2005.
In addition to his work in his restaurants, Kerridge is widely recognised from television and cookbooks, bringing his distinctive “posh pub grub” style to a broad audience. He has competed and judged on the BBC’s Great British Menu, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in British cooking.