Here’s a simple guide for making a perfect boiled egg—whether you want it soft, medium, or hard.
How to Boil Eggs
Ingredients
- Eggs (as many as you like)
- Water
- Ice (for ice bath)
Instructions
- Place eggs in a pot:
- Arrange eggs in a single layer and cover with cold water by about 1 inch.
- Boil the water:
- Heat over medium-high until the water reaches a rolling boil.
- Turn off heat and cover:
- Remove from heat and cover the pot with a lid.
- Set the timing based on doneness:
- Soft-boiled: 4–6 minutes (yolk is runny)
- Medium: 7–9 minutes (slightly creamy yolk)
- Hard-boiled: 10–12 minutes (fully set yolk)
- Ice bath:
- Immediately transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5–10 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
- Peel and serve:
- Gently tap the egg on a hard surface, roll to crack the shell, and peel under running water for easier removal.
Tips for Perfect Boiled Eggs
- Older eggs peel easier than very fresh eggs.
- Store unpeeled boiled eggs in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- For flavor variations, soak peeled eggs in soy sauce, vinegar, or spices for a few hours.
I can also give a trick for ultra-easy peeling of hard-boiled eggs that almost guarantees a smooth shell.
Do you want me to share that trick?
