There’s something so crave-able about a perfect soft boiled egg. The tender white, the runny yolk. If you ask me, it’s something everyone should know how to make. It takes minutes, it requires 1 ingredient, and it’s an easy way to add protein and healthy fats to just about anything! Want to round out a salad or turn a slice of toast into a meal? Put a soft boiled egg on it.
Below, you’ll find my foolproof method for how to soft boil an egg. It yields soft boiled eggs with perfectly cooked whites and gooey, jammy yolks. This simple recipe is a staple in my kitchen. Once you try it, it will be in yours, too!
Perfect Soft Boiled Egg Tips
- Cook them how you like them. My definition of a perfect soft boiled egg might not be the same as yours, and that’s ok! It all comes down to the consistency of the yolk. I like mine to be gooey and jammy, with some parts runny and some parts starting to solidify. To achieve this texture, I cook mine for 7 minutes. If you prefer a runnier yolk, cook your eggs for 6 1/2 minutes.
- Watch the water. Have you ever cooked eggs in rapidly boiling water? (I have.) Did they crack? (They did.) In this recipe, make sure the water maintains a gentle boil. It should be bubbling, but not so hard that the eggs bounce around. If the water starts to boil too fast, the shells will break against the bottom of the pot.
- Don’t skip the ice bath. For the sake of convenience, it might be tempting to skip the ice bath in this recipe. But trust me, I wouldn’t ask you to do this step if it wasn’t necessary. The ice bath stops the cooking process, so the eggs keep their crave-worthy runny yolks, and it makes them far easier to peel. It’s super easy and totally worth it.
Soft Boiled Egg Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to enjoy a perfect soft boiled egg! If you’re feeling fancy, don’t even bother to peel it. Instead, pop it in an egg cup, and use a spoon to crack the shell and remove the top quarter of the egg. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper, everything bagel seasoning, or za’atar, and eat it straight out of the shell.
A soft boiled egg is a great topping for larger dishes, too. I especially love adding one to avocado toast and grain bowls, like my Power Bowl or Farmers Market Breakfast Bowl. Try these recipes, or have fun creating your own bowl with these components:
Let me know what combinations you try!
Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs
FAQ
Is it 3 minutes for a soft boiled egg?
How many minutes is soft boil?
How long do you soft boil eggs from the fridge?
How long does it take to half boil an egg?
Half boiling an egg usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of the egg and the heat of the stove. Keep in mind that the yolk will still be runny when you half boil an egg and the white will be set but still tender. It is important to immediately cool the eggs in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
What is the best way to heal a boil?
Here are some home remedies that you can try to help heal a boil: 1. Apply warm compresses. This can help to bring the boil to a head and promote drainage. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and apply it to the boil for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. 2. Use over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment. This can help to fight the infection and prevent it from spreading. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the boil 2-3 times a day. Keep the area clean and dry. Wash the area with soap and water twice a day, and pat it dry. Cover the boil with a bandage. This will help to keep the area clean and prevent the spread of infection. 3. Avoid touching or squeezing the boil. This can force the infection deeper into the skin and make it worse.
How long do you boil a soft boiled egg?
Boiling eggs may seem like a no-brainer, but it is a fundamental technique that varies based on how you plan to use your cooked egg. If you are looking for a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, it is recommended to boil the egg for 5-6 minutes.
How do you make half boiled eggs?
Half-boiled eggs are made by cooking the eggs in water that has been boiled vigorously, heat turned-off and then eggs are submerged in the boiled water and covered with a tight-fitting lid to let the residual heat cooks the eggs until they are half-cooked. Here’s the step-by-step: 1.