DictionarypoachGentle cooking
verb

poach

To cook gently in simmering liquid.

She poached the eggs in gently simmering water.

Etymology

The French cooking verb was associated especially with eggs. English broadened the technique-name to other foods cooked gently in hot liquid.

More examples

  • The cook poaches the fish in seasoned broth.
  • We served pears poached in syrup.
  • Keep the liquid gentle while you poach the chicken.

Forms

poach · poaches · poached · poaching

Similar words

simmer
Simmer describes the liquid’s gentle heat; poach cooks food gently in that liquid.
boil
Boil uses vigorous bubbling; poach generally uses gentler heat.