Breakfast & Brunch > Eggs > Classic Egg Preparations > Boiled Eggs Recipe (Soft, Medium, Hard)

Mastering Boiled Eggs: Soft, Medium, and Hard

Learn the secrets to cooking perfectly boiled eggs every time! This guide provides detailed instructions and timings for achieving your desired yolk consistency, whether you prefer a runny soft-boiled egg or a firm hard-boiled egg. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked eggs and hello to breakfast perfection.

Prep Time
1
Cook Time
3-15
Servings
1+
Ingredients
  • As needed Large Eggs
  • Enough to cover eggs Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Preparation

Place the eggs in a saucepan in a single layer. Make sure the saucepan is large enough so the eggs don't overcrowd. Add cold water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch. Add salt to the water to help prevent cracking and make peeling easier.

Cooking

Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs sit in the hot water for the desired time, according to the desired doneness:

Cooking Times

Soft-boiled eggs: 3-4 minutes for a very runny yolk, 5-6 minutes for a slightly firmer yolk.
Medium-boiled eggs: 7-9 minutes for a mostly set yolk with a slightly gooey center.
Hard-boiled eggs: 10-15 minutes for a fully cooked yolk.

Cooling

Immediately after the cooking time is complete, drain the hot water from the pan and fill it with cold water. You can also add ice cubes to the water. This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel. Let the eggs sit in the cold water for at least 5 minutes.

Peeling

Gently tap the egg all over on a hard surface to crack the shell. Start peeling from the larger end of the egg, using your fingers or a spoon to help separate the shell from the egg white. If peeling is difficult, try peeling the eggs under running water.

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FAQ

  • Why do my boiled eggs crack?

    Eggs crack due to rapid temperature changes. Starting with cold water and adding salt helps to minimize cracking. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot.
  • How can I make my boiled eggs easier to peel?

    Shocking the eggs in ice water immediately after cooking helps to separate the shell from the egg white. Also, using older eggs (eggs that have been in the refrigerator for a week or more) often makes them easier to peel.
  • How long do boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?

    Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It's best to store them unpeeled.