There is no better breakfast than a perfectly poached egg on hot buttered toast or smashed avocado, but it can feel like a tricky skill to master.
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However, creating that perfectly gooey, soft poached egg is actually easier than you think! Our 6-step guide will show you all the tricks you need to know.

Step 1
Eggs must be fresh (free range are best) and at room temperature. Working with 1 egg at a time, crack the egg onto a saucer.

Step 2
Fill a wide saucepan or frying pan with water until about 8cm deep. Add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, the water should not be boiling but be just a bit more than gentle simmer, with small bubbles breaking the surface of the water.

Step 3
Place your egg into a small sieve to reduce stringy eggywhite pieces.
Step 4
Stir simmering water in one direction to create a whirlpool (this will help to give your poached eggs a neat shape).

Step 5
Slide egg from the sieve into the centre of the whirlpool, as close to the water surface as possible. Cook, without stirring, for 2-3 minutes for a semi-soft yolk or 3-4 minutes for a firm-set yolk.

Step 6
Remove with a slotted spoon to a clean tea towel while cooking remaining eggs. Between cooking eggs, use a slotted spoon to skim any foam from water surface.
This article originally appeared on Foodiful.