how to poach

Learn how to poach with simple techniques the next time you cook fish or chicken, then try some great recipes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Poached eggs are easy.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Looking for an easy, low-fat cooking technique? Try poaching. It’s a really simple way to gently cook dishes and infuse them with flavor without adding fat. If you don't know how to poach, don't worry; it's easy to learn. Firm-fleshed fish is a perfect choice to start with. To poach fish, submerge fillets in barely simmering liquid and cook the fish until it’s opaque all the way through. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, it’ll take about 20 to 30 minutes. Varieties of fish that are great for poaching include halibut, salmon, sea bass, and cod. To make a quick, easy poaching liquid, just add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and some lemon juice to a pan of water. Heat it to a simmer, adding a few whole black peppercorns, a sprinkling of salt, and any fresh herbs of your choosing. When the fish is done, you can remove it and keep it warm under foil while you increase the heat and reduce the poaching liquid to create a sauce.

For another easy way to poach fish, turn to your trusty microwave. Combine lemon juice, herbs, a bit of salt, and water in a microwave-safe baking dish. Add fish and turn it to coat it with the liquid. After covering the fish loosely with a piece of wax paper, microwave it on high for about 4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through.

Keep reading for tips on poaching eggs and chicken, plus recipes for Eggs Benedict, Scallop Ceviche Salad, Chicken Provençal, and more.