If you’re looking for how to make perfect soft boiled eggs every time, then look no further. Eggs have been labeled the perfect food and for a good reason. They actually have more nutrients per calorie than most other food, making them an excellent nutrient-dense protein option.
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If you haven’t yet discovered that fact for yourself, you’ll totally agree once you know how to make perfect soft boiled eggs.
Soft boiled eggs add richness to every meal but can also be eaten alone. So making this delicious food couldn’t be more straightforward.
Perfect Soft Boiled Egg Time
It takes 6 minutes and 30 seconds for the egg to cook, but you also have to wait for the water to boil, and that amount of time depends on your stovetop.
Note: If you’re looking for a more jammy (less runny) consistency, cook for 7 minutes.
If you have a power boil setting, you can have soft boiled eggs in under eight minutes.
However, if you have to wait a more standard amount of time for your water to boil, it could take up to 20 minutes from start to finish.
Even still, a soft boiled egg is one of the quickest foods you can cook in the kitchen.
How Long Do Soft Boiled Eggs Last?
Soft boiled eggs last in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days after cooking. They can be reheated after sitting in the fridge, but I recommend making them when you’re going to eat them. It doesn’t take much longer to cook them initially than reheat them.
Perfect Soft Boiled Egg Tips
Making the perfect soft boiled egg is simple, but here are some tips to help:
Carefully Lower the Egg Into Your Pot
If you plop an egg into your pot, you risk cracking the shell, especially when you only have about 1 inch of water as a buffer.
Part of the egg white seeps out when the shell cracks and gives you a partially poached egg. Use a slotted spoon and gently place it in the pot to avoid this.
Adjust the Cooking Time
You can adjust the cooking time to suit your preference. If you want your yolk to be a little runnier, cook your egg for just six minutes.
If you are looking for a more jammy consistency and less runny yolk, boil for 7 minutes.
If you want the yolk to set more, tack on some extra time. Don’t be afraid to experiment just a bit to know how to make your perfect soft boiled egg.
What to Serve With Soft Boiled Eggs
Soft boiled eggs are a versatile food that can be put on top of just about anything. Here’s what I like to serve them with:
Soups
Soft boiled eggs are so tasty in soups, especially in ramen.
Salads
Soft boiled eggs are a delicious addition to any salad, but I also love them on Caesar salads and club salads.
Sandwiches
Soft boiled eggs are also delicious in egg salad sandwiches. They can be mixed in with a traditional egg salad or used to make a soft boiled egg salad.
Breakfast
Soft boiled eggs are also perfect at breakfast, especially on avocado toast!
Different Ways to Cook Soft Boiled Eggs
You don’t have to use the stovetop for cooking soft boiled eggs. There are other methods you can use:
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a perfect appliance for making things quickly and easily, including soft boiled eggs.
Using the Instant Pot still requires water, but you can pressure cook for just one minute and have perfect soft boiled eggs.
You may also like:
Air fryer
If you don’t want to use water, stick your egg in an air fryer. In just eight minutes, you can have a soft boiled egg.
Oven
You can also make soft boiled eggs in the oven using a muffin tin. Though this takes about 20 minutes, it is a good method to use if you are making soft boiled eggs for many people or for a recipe that calls for many eggs, such as a soft boiled egg salad.
Peeling Tips
Perhaps the worst part about making soft boiled eggs is peeling them. It can be a hassle, but it’s made easier with these tips:
Don’t Skip the Ice Bath
Soaking eggs in ice immediately after cooking is the best way to ensure an easy peel.
Let them soak for just a couple of minutes, then crack them on a hard surface, like a cutting board or even your countertop.
Roll the eggs around to crack the entire shell, but be gentle, so you don’t break the egg whites.
Use a Spoon
It’s also helpful to use a kitchen spoon to separate the egg white from the shell. Shimmy the spoon in between the shell and the egg white, and pry the egg from its shell.
Rinse the Egg
You will likely have some eggshells left on your eggs, so rinse them off before eating. Then, you can either stick them back in the ice bath or run them under your faucet.
How to Make Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs Video
Perfect Soft Boiled Egg Recipe
Ingredients
Servings: 1
- 1 large egg (fresh from the fridge)
- water (filled about half an inch)
- salt and pepper to taste
Cookware and Tools
- Small or medium saucepot (depending on how many eggs you’re boiling)
- Slotted spoon
- Bowl (for ice bath)
How to Make Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs (Step-by-Step)
Step 1. Bring Your Water to a Boil
In a small saucepot, bring your water to a boil over high heat. Use roughly half an inch of water.
Step 2. Boil the Egg
Once the water comes to a full boil, add the egg and cover the saucepot with a lid. Allow the egg to boil for 6 minutes and 30 seconds.
Step 3. Cool and Peel the Egg
After the timer goes off, remove the egg and place it in an ice-water bath, or run it under cool water until it’s manageable to peel safely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
FAQs
Can I boil more than one egg at a time?
Yes, definitely. You can soft boil more than one egg at a time, but make sure you leave enough room in the pan for all the eggs.
If you are using a small saucepot, I would suggest boiling no more than six eggs at a time. With a larger one, you may be able to fit 10 to 12 eggs. Just make sure they have room to move in the pot.
Do I need to cover the entire egg with water?
Nope, you don’t. Instead, the lid on the saucepot will create a steaming effect and soft boil the egg without being completely immersed in the water.
The Takeaway
Once you perfect this recipe, and I promise it won’t take long, you’ll be adding soft boiled eggs to all your favorite dishes, and probably your least favorite, too!
Test out this recipe and check out some of my other side dishes. Then, let me know what you think!
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear from you.
How to Make Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs Every Time
Ingredients
- 1 large egg (fresh from the fridge)
- water (filled about half an inch)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepot, bring your water to a boil over high heat. Use roughly half an inch of water.
- Once the water comes to a full boil, add the egg and cover the saucepot with a lid. Allow the egg to boil for 6 minutes and 30 seconds.
- After the timer goes off, remove the egg and place it in an ice-water bath, or run it under cool water until it’s manageable to peel safely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
