Eggs are a versatile and nutritious food that have been used for thousands years. From soft-boiled to hard-boiled, the level of doneness of a boiled egg can really affect its taste and texture to serve the most picky mouths. But how long to boil eggs to achieve the perfect results? Let’s deep dive into the art of boiling egg and learn how to get it just right.
1. How long to boil eggs for a soft-boiled result?
Soft-boiled eggs are eggs with a runny yolk and a slightly set white. They are perfect for dipping toast into the yolk for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack, or even for eating them barely. Here’s how long to boil eggs for a soft-boiled result:
- Medium eggs (1.7 -2.2oz or 53-63g): 4-5 minutes
- Large eggs( 2.3– 2.7oz or 63-73g): 5-6 minutes
To achieve a soft-boiled egg, place the egg(s) in a saucepan/pot and cover with cool water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and simmer for the above recommended time. Usually soft-boiled eggs are quite hard to peel, so eating them using a spoon without peeling is a good choice.
2. How long to boil eggs for a medium-boiled result?
Medium-boiled eggs have a semi-soft yolk and a fully set white. They are a popular choice for various dishes such as salads, ramen, rice bowl or as a snack on their own. How long to boil eggs for a medium-boiled result? Read the timing below.
- Medium eggs (1.7 -2.2oz or 53-63g): 6-7 minutes
- Large eggs ( 2.3– 2.7oz or 63-73g): 7-8 minutes
Follow the same process as for a soft-boiled egg but increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Then carefully drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to an ice bath in 2-3 minutes to peel the eggs more easily.
3. How long to boil eggs for a fully hard-boiled result?
Fully hard-boiled eggs have a firm yolk and a fully set white. They are commonly used in egg salads, pizza… Here’s how long to boil eggs for a hard-boiled result:
- Medium eggs (1.7 -2.2oz or 53-63g): 11-12 minutes
- Large eggs ( 2.3– 2.7oz or 63-73g): 12-13 minutes
The cooking time must be increased significantly to result in hard-boiled eggs. Simmer the eggs in ice bath in 2-3 minutes before peeling.
Tips for Boiling Eggs
Here are some cooking tips to help you achieve the perfect boiled eggs:
- Start with room temperature eggs: It’s better leaving the egg at room temperature before cooking. This helps to ensure that the eggs cook evenly, and avoid the crack appeared on the egg because of the sudden change of temperature.
- Use a timer: Use a timer to keep track of the cooking time accurately. Smartphone or cooking timer are both okay.
- Adjust cooking time based on preference: The recommended times provided are for eggs with a slightly runny yolk (soft-boiled), a semi-soft yolk (medium-boiled), and a firm yolk (hard-boiled). You can adjust the cooking time to your personal preference by adding or subtracting a minute or two.
- Use an ice bath: Transferring boiled eggs to an ice bath after cooking makes them easier to peel. Simply fill a bowl with ice and water and place the boiled eggs into the ice bath in 2-3 minutes before peeling. If there is no ice left in your home, it’s still possible to simmer the eggs in tap water but wait for a bit longer in 4-5 minutes.
Boiling eggs to perfection require precise timing. Soft-boiled, medium-boiled, and hard-boiled eggs all require different cooking times to achieve the desired level of doneness. By following the guidelines provided and adjusting the cooking time based on your preference, you can enjoy perfectly boiled eggs with the desired yolk consistency.
Reference: Egg info