Learn About Soft-Boiled Eggs: How Long to Boil Eggs and Easy Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe

A soft-boiled egg is an egg that has been cooked in its shell until the whites are set to a custardy texture and the yolks are creamy, with a consistency ranging from runny (uncooked) to jammy (half-set).

A hard-boiled egg is one that has been cooked, usually in gently boiling water, until both whites and yolks inside the shell have solidified. Hard-boiled eggs hold their shape when cut or incorporated into egg recipes like deviled eggs or dishes like potato salad.

By contrast, soft-boiled eggs are best served with dishes that benefit from their gooey, saucy centers, like pasta and stews.

While the most common way to boil eggs is in water on the stove, it’s also possible to make soft-boiled eggs in the microwave. Follow this easy recipe, step by step.

1. 1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl or vessel (like a glass measuring cup) with water and bring to a boil on high.
2. 2. Remove from the microwave and insert one egg.
3. 3. Cover with a plate to trap the heat, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. 4. Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and transfer to an ice bath until cool enough to handle.

In case you don’t have X-ray vision, and thus cannot tell on sight when an egg is cooked to your liking, here’s a quick guide:

• 4 minutes at a rolling simmer for a loose white and a runny yolk
• 5 minutes at a rolling simmer for a runny yolk
• 7-8 minutes at a rolling simmer for a jammy, spreadable yolk
• 10 minutes at a rolling simmer for a fudgy, nearly-set yolk

There are three specific things you need to watch out for.

1. 1. The temperature of the water. Aim for 190°F for best results. Bring room temperature water to a rolling boil before bringing it to a constant simmer and adding your eggs for an even cooking process. Using the cold water method to halt cooking will allow for even more precision.
2. 2. Batch size.The more eggs you add to the pot, the slower the cooking process will be. Try to keep it at a maximum of 4 eggs at a time to get perfect eggs.
3. 3. Egg size. Depending on size, larger eggs may take a bit longer for the whites to set and yolks to come up to preferred consistency.

To peel a soft-boiled egg, follow this simple step-by-step.

1. 1. Tap the shell on a hard surface like a cutting board.
2. 2. Gently roll it until cracks have formed.
3. 3. Peel back the shell and the outer membrane in pieces, taking care not to break or puncture the delicate structure by ripping too quickly.

Instead of peeling, you can also eat a soft-boiled egg directly from its shell.

1. 1. Place it in an egg cup, then carefully slice off the pointed top of the egg with an egg-cutter or a small knife.
2. 2. Eat with a small spoon or toast soldiers—toast that’s been cut into strips for easy dipping in moments like these.
3. 3. If it’s your first time eating eggs and soldiers, try buttering the toast first for a more indulgent and yummy treat.
   

Looking for an extra decadent treat? Turn your soft-boiled egg into a Scotch Egg with our recipe here.

Store unpeeled, soft-boiled eggs in the refrigerator, where they will keep for two days. You can reheat them with a quick trip into simmering water on the stove—just cook in a single layer if you have multiple eggs. Just under a minute should heat the egg through without overcooking it.