Soft boil eggs that produce tender whites and liquid yolks with this tried and true method. Starting out by using cold water rather than hot will minimize shock to the egg and help avoid cracking it as much.
This simple technique works great with either boiling or steaming eggs; just be sure to start off by refrigerating them first, then follow the timing precisely.
Cooking Time
How long it takes to make soft boiled eggs depends on a number of variables, including egg size and cooking method. Therefore, experimentation may be necessary until you reach results that meet your tastes and preferences.
Start with a medium pot filled to just an inch from the top, bringing it to a boil on high heat, then reduce to simmer and carefully add eggs. Set a timer for six minutes if you want fully cooked whites with runny yolks; otherwise cook for 3-5 minutes to achieve slightly softer textures. While the eggs simmer away, be sure to have an ice water basin ready nearby so they can be chilled after being finished cooking.
Soft boiled eggs can be prepared easily using direct immersion in hot water; however, this may prove tricky without proper equipment. If this approach seems daunting to you, an alternative may be using already boiling water with which you drop cold eggs gradually into it; this way you’ll avoid over or under-cooking of your eggs.
Once your eggs have finished boiling, adding them to a cold bath of ice water or run under cold tap water can make peeling them easier. Or you could simply place the eggs directly in a bowl of ice water if you prefer keeping their shells intact.
Steaming eggs is another fantastic method for creating soft boiled eggs, using all of the same ingredients and only taking approximately half the time required by boiling. Instead of placing your eggs directly in boiling water, place them in a small pot with lid. Bring heat up until steam starts coming off the surface; lower to simmering, and leave to stand for approximately five minutes – when finished you will have perfectly soft eggs that are easy to peel!
Preparation
A perfectly boiled egg is an irresistibly irresistible combination of creamy whites and silky yolks, instantly crave-able yet simple enough for every home cook to make. Achieve a soft boiled egg takes precise technique and timing – one misstep could result in overdone or rubbery eggs!
First step to making soft boiled eggs is gathering all of the necessary ingredients. A pot large enough to accommodate all of your eggs will do, then filling it with water until simmering and not boiling, which should ideally reach 180degF but this temperature may need to be adjusted depending on temperature in your kitchen and size of saucepan.
When ready to prepare eggs, use a slotted spoon to gently place the eggs into simmering water and set a timer so you can accurately gauge how long it takes for your eggs to cook – for best results, allow six minutes. After your eggs have finished cooking, remove them from their saucepan and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling them easier.
Some may prefer starting with cold water and slowly bring it up to boil before adding their eggs, though experts tend to agree that starting with boiling water allows more precise control in timing the cooking of eggs. Doing so helps ensure the eggs do not crack during their soft-boiling process. In any event, always follow the same method for all batches of soft boiled eggs you prepare – doing so will ensure consistent and delectable results that you can depend on every time! Once you master the art of soft boiled egg creation, once it becomes second nature you can use your success as the base for numerous meals and snacks. A classic example would be toast with soldiers dipped in butter; but soft boiled eggs can also add protein-packed nutrients to grain bowls or salads for a filling and nutritional meal option.
Peeling
Soft-boiled eggs make a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack, especially when they’re made to perfection. For best results, cook your egg until its yolks are succulent while its whites remain moist yet firm enough.
Soft boiled eggs can be prepared using two distinct techniques – boiling and steaming. While both methods produce delicious results, which one you choose ultimately depends on your equipment and personal preference.
The traditional boiling method of egg cooking is straightforward: start by filling your saucepan up to just below the eggs’ tops with water, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then gently lower each egg using a slotted spoon into the boiling pot before simmering for 6 minutes (or less for runnier eggs). Once finished, transfer them to an ice water bath until cool to touch before chilling them until no longer warm.
Steaming soft-boiled eggs is an efficient and quick alternative, offering quick results without burning your tongue! Use either a large steaming basket or individual ramekins; both will help your eggs retain their shape by keeping the water level just below your eggs at all times, and using lower heat settings – too much heat could cause cracking!
Once the eggs have cooled sufficiently to handle, peel away their shells carefully starting at the wider end that has air pockets. Be gentle and patient as removing stubborn bits of shell can be tricky; once complete, give each egg a quick rinse under cold running water to eliminate any remaining debris and store for up to three days in your refrigerator.
Soft boiled eggs make a nutritious and convenient breakfast or snack that can be enjoyed either alone, as part of another dish, or added as an ingredient in another recipe. From topping toast and grain bowls to sandwiches and salads – soft boiled eggs go perfectly with soups, stews and ramen. Avocado lovers might especially love them! To enhance flavor when making soft-boil eggs even further try seasoning your eggs before boiling; or sprinkle some chives over top.
Storage
Cooking soft boiled eggs perfectly involves timing them perfectly; an ideal result would be an egg with a runny yolk and tender white, perfect for topping toast, salads or soups, or eaten alone. Once cool they can be stored in the refrigerator up to two days (via Better Homes and Gardens).
To create soft boiled eggs, bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer before carefully dropping your eggs in it and cooking for approximately six minutes (if you prefer less runny eggs, consider cooking for eight). After cooking is complete, drain and transfer to an ice water bath – the ice bath helps maintain their shape as they cool while also stopping further cooking from occurring.
If you don’t have access to an ice water bath, an alternative way is to place the eggs in a sink of cold water and stir frequently to accelerate cooling time. Once they’re cool enough for handling, remove from ice water and dry off with paper towels before proceeding further with this task.
As an additional way of speeding up the cooling process, try placing your eggs in a Ziploc bag filled with ice water – this helps them retain their shape as they cool more quickly and makes them easier to peel when finished cooling.
Once the eggs have cooled down sufficiently, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days (via BHG). For optimal results when planning on eating later in the week, however, make sure they’re made early so they have time to chill fully before storage.
Longer an egg is kept in the fridge, the higher its risk of spoilage is; once this occurs, it can result in foodborne illness. To ensure safe storage for your soft boiled eggs, be sure to store them in an airtight container such as glass or plastic with lid to protect from bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
