With our complete guide, step-by-step instructions, and photos, you’ll learn how to soft boil an egg perfectly every time.
Soft boiled eggs are one of my favorite breakfast items. There’s something about the gooey yolk that just makes me feel so content. Not to mention, they’re a great source of protein. I know it can be tricky to get them just right. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
How To Test an Egg For Freshness
If you want to test whether an egg is fresh, try this little trick: place the egg in a water bowl or glass. If it sinks to the bottom, it’s fresh.
If it floats, it’s not as fresh as you might want. This doesn’t mean you can’t still use it, but the quality won’t be as good.
How Long Does It Take to Soft Boil an Egg?
The time it takes to boil an egg depends on your ideal consistency for the yolk and white and how you cook the eggs. If you start with the eggs covered in room temperature water, the cooking time will be different than if you add the eggs to water that is already boiling. Use the guide below for accurate cooking times.
Should You Start with Boiling or Cold Water?
I like to start with cold water and cook my eggs for 4 minutes. This gives me a runny yolk that is perfect for dipping toast into. You can also start by adding your eggs to boiling water. The whites are less likely to overcook this way, but getting the yolk to the perfect consistency can be tricky. Read on for instructions on both methods.
Cooking In Boiling Water
Be sure to bring your eggs to room temperature for the best results. Fridge-cold eggs will take longer to cook and are more likely to crack. If your eggs are cold from the fridge, add 30 seconds to each time listed below.
Fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs and place it on the stove. Turn the heat up to high, and bring the water to come to a rolling boil.
Use a spoon to slowly lower the eggs into the water in a single layer.
Then turn the heat down to a simmer and use these cooking times for large eggs depending on how you like your yolk (see the image below for a visual guide):
- Four minutes: A loose white with a liquid yolk.
- Five minutes: A just-set, but not solid white with a runny yolk.
- Six minutes: A somewhat wobbly white with a deliciously loose yolk.
- Seven Minutes: An almost set white with a soft, jammy yolk.
To serve peeled, remove the eggs from the pot using a slotted spoon, and place them in a bowl of ice water.
Cooking From Cold Water
Be sure to bring your eggs to room temperature for the best results. Fridge-cold eggs will take longer to cook and are more likely to crack. If your eggs are cold from the fridge, add 30 seconds to each time listed below.
Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan, then cover them with room-temperature water, which should come about a half inch/1cm above the eggs.
Cover and bring to a full rolling boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer once the water has boiled, and use these cooking times for large eggs depending on how you like your yolk (see the image below for a visual guide):
Two Minutes: A loose white with a liquid yolk.
Three Minutes: A just-set, but not solid white with a runny yolk.
Four Minutes: A somewhat wobbly white with a deliciously loose yolk.
Five Minutes: An almost set white with a soft, jammy yolk.
How To Serve Soft Boiled Eggs
To serve peeled, remove the eggs from the pot using a slotted spoon, and place them in a bowl of ice water.
Allow to cool, peel and enjoy. They’re delicious, served on toast with guacamole, in soups, or just simply served with salt and pepper.
To serve in an egg cup, you can skip the ice bath. Just carefully cut the top of the egg with a knife.
Remove the top from the egg.
Serve in an egg cup and dunk strips of toast into the runny egg yolk.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions ❄
Soft-boiled eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat them in a pot of hot water for a few minutes before eating.
Alternatively, you can crack the eggs into a greased muffin pan, and bake at 350F/180C for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Erren’s Top Tips & Variations
- If you’re making more than two eggs, you might want to increase the water to cover the eggs completely.
- If you want firmer yolks, cook the eggs for a few minutes longer. If you want softer yolks, take them out of the water sooner.
- You can also add a pinch of salt to the water before boiling to help keep the eggs from cracking.
- If you want your yolks to be a bit less runny, cook the eggs for a minute or two longer.
- Crack the eggs into the pot before boiling them for an even quicker breakfast. This will save you from having to peel them afterward. Just be careful not to let the water boil over!
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Let’s Make How to Soft Boil an Egg
Instructions
To Start with Boiling Water:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Lower the eggs into the water in a single layer. If you’re using cold eggs, start timing as soon as the water boils. If you’re using room temperature eggs, start timing when the water comes to a simmer.
- Cook for 3-7 minutes, depending on how runny you want the yolks (see the post for cook times).
- If serving peeled, use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. Allow to cool slightly, then peel, and enjoy.
- If serving in the shell, slice off the top of each egg, add to an egg cup, and season with salt and pepper.
To Start with Cold Water:
- Fill a large pot with cold water and add the eggs. The water should come about a half inch/1cm above the eggs.
- Cover the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer once the water has boiled; start timing immediately.
- Cook for 3-7 (see the post for cook times)
- If serving peeled, use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. Allow to cool slightly, then peel, and enjoy.
- If serving in the shell, slice off the top of each egg, add to an egg cup, and season with salt and pepper.
Trudi says
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make soft boiled eggs, look no further than this recipe. The guide is simple and straightforward, and the results are delicious. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
Erren Hart says
I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you for trying out this recipe and for leaving such a positive review. We’re glad you enjoyed it and hope you’ll come back again soon!
Laura says
The pictures are so helpful! I appreciate you taking the time to put this together.
Erren Hart says
I’m so glad you found it useful, Dee! 🙂