Learn the art of making the perfect soft boiled eggs! Whether you want to top them on toast, grain bowls, or simply sprinkle them with salt and enjoy on their own, this article will guide you through the process step by step.
How to Make Soft Boiled Eggs
My method for making soft boiled eggs couldn’t be simpler! Here’s what you need to do:
First, heat the water. Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle boil.
Then, add the eggs. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the simmering water. Set a timer for 7 minutes.
While the eggs cook, prepare the ice bath. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a handful of ice. When the timer goes off, remove the eggs from the hot water and immediately transfer them to the ice bath. Let them chill for at least 3 minutes.
Finally, peel the eggs! Gently tap the bottom of a soft boiled egg to loosen the shell. Using a small spoon, slide it around the egg to loosen the shell and remove it. If you prefer, you can also peel the eggs with your hands. It may take some practice to get it just right.
Follow the same peeling process for the remaining eggs, and voila! Your perfect soft boiled eggs are ready to be enjoyed.
Perfect Soft Boiled Egg Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your soft boiled eggs turn out perfectly every time:
- Cook them how you like them. The perfect consistency of the yolk varies from person to person. If you prefer a gooey and jammy yolk, cook the eggs for 7 minutes. For a runnier yolk, reduce the cooking time to 6 1/2 minutes.
- Watch the water. Maintain a gentle boil throughout the cooking process. Rapid boiling can cause the eggs to crack against the pot’s bottom.
- Don’t skip the ice bath. Tempting as it may be, do not skip the ice bath. It stops the cooking process, preserves the runny yolk, and makes peeling the eggs easier.
Soft Boiled Egg Serving Suggestions
There are countless ways to enjoy a perfect soft boiled egg! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- If you’re feeling fancy, skip the peeling process. Instead, place the soft boiled egg in an egg cup and crack off the top quarter. Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, everything bagel seasoning, or za’atar, and enjoy it straight from the shell.
- Soft boiled eggs make a great topping for dishes like avocado toast and grain bowls. You can also create your own custom bowl with a combination of a soft boiled egg, grains like rice or quinoa, an assortment of veggies, and a flavorful sauce like sesame ginger dressing or gochujang sauce.
Let your culinary creativity shine and let me know about the combinations you try!
More Favorite Cooking Basics
If you enjoyed learning how to cook soft boiled eggs, here are some other basic tutorials you might find useful:
- How to Make Sunny Side Up Eggs
- Baked Tofu
- How to Cook Tempeh
- Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
- How to Cook Lentils
- How to Cook Dried Beans
Remember, mastering these basics opens up a world of possibilities in the kitchen. So, get your apron on and let’s start cooking!
