Boiled Eggs

Learn how to make perfectly boiled eggs with easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and reliable timing for soft, medium, or hard yolks.

Boiled eggs are a simple, versatile, and nutritious option for breakfast, snacks, salads, and meal prep. With the right timing, you can achieve a soft, medium, or firm yolk with consistent results every time. This recipe shows you how to cook eggs in water, cool them properly, and peel them more easily.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• Water, enough to cover the eggs by at least 2.5 cm
• Ice cubes, for an ice bath
• 1 teaspoon salt, optional

Instructions

1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by at least 2.5 cm.
2. If desired, add the salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the water reaches a full boil, reduce the heat slightly and cook the eggs for 6 to 7 minutes for soft yolks, 8 to 9 minutes for medium yolks, or 10 to 12 minutes for fully set yolks.
4. While the eggs cook, prepare a bowl with ice and cold water.
5. When the cooking time is complete, transfer the eggs immediately to the ice bath and let them cool for at least 5 minutes.
6. Tap the eggs gently on a hard surface and peel under running water if needed.
7. Serve warm or chilled, plain or with your favorite seasoning.