03 · Gentle heat

Cook eggs in a microwave

Use short bursts, standing time and steam release to cook eggs evenly without dangerous pressure build-up.

01

Remove every shell

Never microwave an intact shell egg. Steam can also become trapped beneath an unbroken yolk membrane or inside a whole cooked egg, so break the yolk before cooking and do not reheat a whole peeled hard-boiled egg.

02

Use moderate power and short intervals

Microwaves create hot spots and appliances vary greatly. Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely and cook at reduced power or in short bursts. Stir scrambled eggs between bursts so hot and cool areas exchange places.

03

Let standing time finish the centre

Stop when the egg is nearly cooked, stir if appropriate and leave it covered briefly. Heat continues moving inward during the rest. This is more reliable than one long blast, which can make the edges rubbery before the centre is ready.

Read the result

What good looks like

  • No sealed shell or intact yolk membrane
  • Gentle thickening between short bursts
  • An even set after standing, without cold liquid pockets

Troubleshooting

Two useful corrections

Rubbery edges

Reduce power, shorten each burst and stir more often.

A sudden burst after heating

Never heat intact cooked eggs; cut food into pieces and allow steam to escape.

Safety point

Use microwave-safe cookware, vent the cover and follow the appliance instructions. Egg dishes still need to reach the safe endpoint advised where you live.

International egg-safety guidance →