Good Eats Season 3 Episode 11 Mission: Poachable

In Good Eats season 3 episode 11 titled "Mission: Poachable," host Alton Brown takes on the challenge of poaching a variety of foods. Poaching is a cooking method that involves cooking food in a liquid at a low temperature, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. Brown explores the science behind poaching and shares his tips and tricks for achieving the perfect poached dish every time.

The episode begins with Brown demonstrating how to poach eggs, a common breakfast dish. He explains how to bring water to the perfect temperature for poaching, how to swirl the water to create a vortex for the egg, and how to prevent the egg from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Brown also offers creative ideas for serving poached eggs, including a classic eggs Benedict and a modern twist on the dish using salmon and a miso hollandaise sauce.

Next, Brown moves on to poaching fish, which is a delicate process that requires careful attention to timing and temperature. He demonstrates how to make a flavorful poaching liquid using herbs, spices, and citrus, and shows how to cook various types of fish, including salmon and tilapia. Brown also shares tips for selecting the best fish for poaching and explains how to tell when the fish is fully cooked.

In addition to eggs and fish, Brown also explores the world of poached fruit. He demonstrates how to make a simple syrup infused with spices and how to poach fruit, such as pears and apples, in the syrup for a delicious dessert. Brown also offers advice on how to pair poached fruit with other flavors, such as vanilla ice cream or a savory cheese.

Throughout the episode, Brown shares his scientific approach to cooking and explains the chemistry behind poaching. He emphasizes the importance of temperature control and shares his favorite tools for monitoring temperature, including a digital thermometer and a sous vide machine. Brown also discusses the role of acid in poaching and demonstrates how to use vinegar or citrus to help set the proteins in eggs and fish.

As always, Brown injects humor and creativity into his cooking demonstrations, using props and visual aids to help explain his techniques. He also offers practical advice for home cooks, such as how to make a poaching liquid in advance and how to store poached foods properly.

Overall, "Mission: Poachable" is an informative and engaging episode of Good Eats that highlights a versatile cooking technique. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned pro, you're sure to learn something new from Brown's expert tips and tricks on poaching.