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A close-up of soft-boiled eggs with perfectly runny yolks served in egg cups.

How to Make Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs

Learn how to make perfectly soft-boiled eggs with jammy yolks, ideal for salads, ramen, or toast.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: global
Calories: 68

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs
  • water enough to cover the eggs in the pot
  • ice for an ice bath

Method
 

  1. Fill a medium-sized pot with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Once the water is boiling, gently lower the eggs into the pot using a spoon or tongs to avoid cracking.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-high and let the eggs cook for exactly 6 minutes for soft, jammy yolks. Adjust the time slightly (5 to 7 minutes) depending on your preferred level of yolk softness.
  4. While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
  5. After the cooking time is up, immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the ice bath for 5 minutes.
  6. Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell and peel the eggs under cold running water for easier shell removal.
  7. Serve the soft-boiled eggs warm or at room temperature with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or add them to your favorite dishes like salads, ramen, or toast.

Notes

For best results, use eggs that are a few days old as they are easier to peel. Adjust cooking time slightly based on egg size.