Soft-boiled eggs have soft yet firm whites and jelly-like yolks. For so long, I tried time and time again but always ended up overcooking them so the yolk is a hard, chalky consistency. Or other times undercooking them so it’s a liquid mess (including the whites — gross!). If you want to avoid those 2 scenarios, it’s essential to know the perfect timing and how many minutes are ideal to make a soft-boiled egg.
So how many minutes to make a soft-boiled egg? After much trial and error, I’ve found that the perfect duration to cook a soft-boiled egg is 6 minutes and 30 seconds on a low boil. Make sure to not overcrowd the pot — each egg should have a place on the bottom. Also, be sure to use humane-certified, pasture-raised eggs to ensure there wasn’t animal suffering involved in your soft-boiled eggs.
How to Make a Soft-Boiled Eggs
- Bring water and half teaspoon salt to a low boil. It is very important that it is a light boil with small bubbles and not a roaring boil. We’re makin’ eggs here not pasta. Also, salt makes the eggs easier to peel.
- Carefully add your eggs in the water with tongs. Don’t overcrowd the pot, eggs should be fully submerged. Be sure to use tongs, otherwise you’ll either burn yourself on the water, or drop them from too high up and they’ll crack.
- Set a timer to 6 minutes and 30 seconds. Trust me, a timer is the only way you’ll really remember to take them out at the right time. Your powers of estimation may be good, but not soft-boiled egg good.
- Remove the eggs from heat. Once the timer goes off, remove them immediately from the water with tongs. If eating right away, be sure to rinse them in cold water so you don’t burn your fingers.
- Enjoy your soft-boiled eggs on their own or dash with some salt and pepper!
