To boil eggs, the cooking time depends on how you like the yolk consistency:
- For a runny yolk with set white: boil for about 5 to 6 minutes.
- For a soft set yolk: boil for 7 to 8 minutes.
- For a classic hard-boiled egg with fully set yolk and white: boil for 10 minutes.
A reliable method is to bring water to a boil first, then gently lower fridge- cold eggs into the boiling water, reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil, and start timing from that moment. After boiling, immediately transfer eggs to cold water to stop cooking and make peeling easier
. Here is a summary of recommended boiling times:
Desired Doneness| Boiling Time (minutes)
---|---
Runny yolk| 5–6
Soft set yolk| 7–8
Hard boiled| 10
Additional tips:
- Use large eggs for these timings; adjust slightly for different sizes.
- Peel eggs under water starting from the base for easier peeling.
- Cooling eggs in cold water after boiling stops cooking and improves texture
This approach ensures consistent results whether you want soft or hard boiled eggs.