Perfectly Boiled Eggs: Soft to Hard-Boiled, Your Golden Timing Guide!
Perfectly Boiled Eggs: Soft to Hard-Boiled, Your Golden Timing Guide!
How to Boil Eggs Perfectly: A Time Guide for Ideal Soft and Hard-Boiled Results
Eggs are a simple yet satisfying meal! Whether you prefer a delicate soft-boiled egg or a hearty hard-boiled one, this recipe will show you how to achieve perfection every time. I learned this method from YouTube and am excited to share these foolproof tips, including the ultimate timing guide for your desired doneness. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked eggs and hello to your new favorite way to boil them!
Ingredients- 3 fresh eggs
- Plenty of water to cover the eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fill a pot with enough water to completely submerge the eggs and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. (You don’t need to add salt or vinegar! Starting with boiling water helps prevent the eggs from sticking to the shell or cracking.)
Step 2
Once the water is at a rolling boil, gently lower the eggs into the pot. Using a ladle or a large spoon will help you do this carefully without cracking them.
Step 3
Adjust the heat to maintain a steady boil and set your timer according to your desired level of doneness. Generally, 8 minutes yields a soft-boiled egg, 10 minutes a jammy yolk, and 12 minutes a fully hard-boiled egg.
Step 4
As the eggs boil, gently stir them in one direction for the first minute. This helps to center the yolk. After that, remove the eggs sequentially at the 8, 10, and 12-minute marks, depending on how you like them cooked.
Step 5
Immediately after removing the boiled eggs from the hot water, plunge them into an ice bath or very cold water. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and makes the eggshells much easier to peel.
Step 6
After boiling for 8 minutes and then cooling in cold water, you’ll get a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, perfect for dipping toast. (See photo for reference)
Step 7
The egg boiled for 10 minutes will have a slightly more set yolk but still retain a wonderfully jammy and soft center, characteristic of a perfect medium-boiled egg. (Note that they will continue to cook slightly even after removal. See photo for reference)
Step 8
Boiled for 12 minutes results in a fully cooked hard-boiled egg with a firm yolk. Try boiling your eggs starting in boiling water from now on – it’s much easier and yields consistently great results!
