You can make soft-boiled eggs at home with just-set whites and warm, almost runny yolks. These are delicious served for breakfast or over salads and ramen. When cooking eggs, they should be cooked for six to seven minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for three to four minutes to get them just right. In either case, they should be served warm. Here are some tips for making soft-boiled egg.

Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipes

Soft-Boiled Eggs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 large egg at room temperature
Instructions
- With a pin, make a small hole in the rounded bottom of each egg.
- Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium so that the water is at a hard simmer. Gently lay the eggs in the water using a spoon. For the first 2 minutes, use chopsticks to spin the eggs around gently in a circle. This helps the yolk set in the center of the white part, making for a nicer presentation.
- Let simmer for 4 more minutes.
- While the eggs are simmering, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl big enough to comfortably hold the eggs.
- When the eggs are finished cooking, drain them first, then run cold water over them to cool them down quickly. Transfer the eggs to the ice water bath and let them sit for about 5 minutes, until they are completely chilled. Remove the eggs from the ice water bath and refrigerate until ready to use. Unpeeled eggs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To serve the soft-boiled eggs, carefully peel them and slice them in half lengthwise. Float 1 or 2 halves on top of a bowl of ramen.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Soft-Boiled Eggs in a Sous Vide Precision Cooker

Ingredients:
- Fresh eggs
- Salt
Equipment:
- Sous vide precision cooker
- Sous vide container or large pot
- Ziplock bags or vacuum-sealed bags
Instructions:
- Set Up Sous Vide Precision Cooker:
- Fill the sous vide container or a large pot with water.
- Attach the sous vide precision cooker and set the temperature to 167°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Eggs:
- Carefully place the eggs in a single layer in a Ziplock bag or vacuum-sealed bag. Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Remove Air and Seal:
- For Ziplock bags, use the water displacement method: Seal the bag almost completely, leaving a small opening. Slowly submerge the bag in water, allowing the pressure to push out the air. Seal the bag completely once the air is removed.
- If using a vacuum sealer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cooking Process:
- Gently place the sealed bags into the preheated water bath, ensuring the eggs are fully submerged.
- Cook the eggs for 13-15 minutes for a perfect soft-boiled consistency.
- Chill and Serve:
- Once the eggs are done, carefully remove them from the bags and place them in an ice water bath to cool rapidly.
- Peel the eggs, season with salt and pepper if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for making Soft-Boiled Eggs

Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Eggs: Start with fresh eggs for the best results. Older eggs tend to have looser whites, which can lead to less predictable outcomes.
- Bring Eggs to Room Temperature: Allow your eggs to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Precision Matters: If you’re using the sous vide method, precision is key. Invest in a reliable sous vide precision cooker to maintain the water temperature consistently.
- Time Matters: Be precise with your cooking time. The difference between a runny and firm yolk can be a matter of seconds. Use a timer to ensure accuracy.
- Ice Bath Shock: Plunge the soft-boiled eggs into an ice water bath immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process. This ensures the yolks remain runny.
- Peel with Care: Gently crack the cooked eggshell all over, then peel the egg under cold running water. This makes peeling easier and helps prevent damage to the egg white.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Soft-boiled eggs are versatile. Try different seasonings like salt, pepper, chili flakes, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions

- Classic Dipping with Toast Soldiers: Serve your soft-boiled eggs with toasted soldiers (thin strips of toast) for that classic, comforting breakfast experience.
- Asian Twist with Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds: Drizzle soy sauce over your soft-boiled eggs and sprinkle them with toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
- Healthy Greens and Avocado: Place your soft-boiled eggs on a bed of mixed greens and sliced avocado. Add a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a nutritious meal.
- Ramen Upgrade: Enhance your bowl of ramen by halving a soft-boiled egg and placing it on top. The creamy yolk blends beautifully with the broth.
- Elevated Salad: Add a soft-boiled egg to your favorite salad for a protein boost and a luscious dressing when you cut into it.
Frequently Asked Questions about soft-boiled eggs

- How Can I Tell When Soft-Boiled Eggs Are Done? Soft-boiled eggs are typically done when the whites are set, and the yolks are still runny. If you’re using a timer, aim for 4-5 minutes of cooking time.
- Can I Make Soft-Boiled Eggs in Advance?While it’s best to enjoy soft-boiled eggs immediately, you can cook them in advance and store them in the fridge. To reheat, place them in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes.
- How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Runny Yolk?Achieving a runny yolk is about precise timing. Start with room temperature eggs, cook for the recommended time, and shock in an ice bath to stop cooking.
- Are Soft-Boiled Eggs Safe to Eat?Soft-boiled eggs are safe to eat as long as they are cooked at the right temperature and for the recommended time. Using fresh eggs and proper handling also reduces risks.
- Can I Use Soft-Boiled Eggs in Other Dishes?Absolutely! Soft-boiled eggs can be added to salads, ramen, sandwiches, or enjoyed as a standalone snack. Their creamy yolk can enhance various dishes.
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