One-click timers for soft, medium, and hard boiled eggs.
How to Boil the Perfect Egg
Getting the perfect boiled egg comes down to two things: starting water temperature and precise timing. These times are calibrated for medium-sized eggs starting at refrigerator temperature, placed into already-boiling water.
Boiled Egg Timing Guide
Soft boiled (3 minutes): Runny yolk, fully set white. Great for dipping toast soldiers. Medium boiled (6 minutes): Jammy, slightly soft yolk — the most popular choice for ramen, grain bowls, and salads. Hard boiled (10 minutes): Fully set, crumbly yolk. Best for egg salad, deviled eggs, and meal prep.
Tips for Better Boiled Eggs
Use a slotted spoon to lower eggs gently into boiling water. Transfer to ice water immediately when done to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. Adjust times by 30 seconds for very small or extra-large eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I boil an egg?
3 minutes for soft boiled with a runny yolk, 6 minutes for medium/jammy, and 10 minutes for hard boiled with a fully set yolk. These times assume refrigerator-cold eggs placed into already-boiling water.
Why do my eggs crack when boiling?
Eggs crack from thermal shock. Let refrigerated eggs sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before boiling, or lower them gently into the water with a spoon rather than dropping them in.
How do I make eggs easier to peel?
Transfer eggs to an ice bath immediately when the timer ends. The rapid temperature change causes the egg to pull away from the shell, making peeling significantly easier.