How to Boil Eggs

Ingredients

• 5eggs

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring to room temperature

   Let all 5 eggs come to room temperature.

2. 2

   Cover with water

   Pour enough water into a pot to cover the eggs by 2.5 cm (1 inch).

3. 3

   Boil the water

   Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.

4. 4

   Lower in eggs

   Reduce the heat to medium-high. Using tongs, a slotted spoon or a ladle, gently lower the eggs into the pot in a single layer.

5. 5

   Cook the eggs

   Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 6 to 12 minutes.

6. 6

   Cool in water

   When the time is up, carefully lift the eggs out with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl nearly filled with cold water or an ice bath. Leave them until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes.

7. 7

   Peel and serve

   Peel the eggs and use them as desired.

8. 8

   Choose your timing

   Cook for 5 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 7 minutes for slightly soft-boiled eggs, 10 minutes for firm, hard-boiled eggs, or 12 minutes for extra-firm hard-boiled eggs without a grey ring.

What are boiled eggs?

Boiled eggs are eggs cooked in their shells in hot water, with the cooking time determining whether the yolk stays soft or sets firm. They are a familiar American breakfast and snack, and can also be added to salads or sandwiches.

This method starts the eggs in already-boiling water, then cools them promptly. The timing options make it easy to choose the yolk texture you want.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 63 calories, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 4g fat.

The eggs provide the protein and most of the fat in each serving, with very little carbohydrate. Pair an egg with vegetables and a source of carbohydrate such as toast or potatoes for a more complete plate.

Why start with room-temperature eggs?

Room-temperature eggs are less cold when they go into the boiling water. Bring all 5 eggs to room temperature before you begin.

Lowering the eggs gently

Use tongs, a slotted spoon or a ladle to ease the eggs into the pot rather than dropping them in. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom, as directed.

Choosing the yolk texture

Soft yolks: cook for 5 minutes; for a slightly soft result, use 7 minutes.

Firm yolks: cook for 10 minutes for firm hard-boiled eggs, or 12 minutes for an extra-firm result without a grey ring.

Cooling and peeling

Cold water or an ice bath stops the cooking once the eggs come out of the pot. Leave them there for about 5 minutes, until they are cool enough to handle.

Peel the eggs once cooled, then serve or use them in another dish.

Ways to serve boiled eggs

Serve a soft-boiled egg on toast, or slice a firm one over a salad or sandwich. For a simple plate, pair the eggs with vegetables and bread or potatoes.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a pot large enough to hold the eggs in a single layer.
• Make sure the water covers the eggs by about 2.5 cm (1 inch).
• Lower the eggs gently with a utensil to avoid dropping them into the pot.
• Set a timer as soon as the eggs are in the water.
• Have the cold-water bowl or ice bath ready before the cooking time ends.

Variations

• Soft-boiled: cook for 5 minutes for a soft yolk.
• Slightly soft: cook for 7 minutes for a less-runny yolk.
• Firm: cook for 10 minutes for firm, hard-boiled eggs.
• Extra firm: cook for 12 minutes for an extra-firm yolk without a grey ring.
• Season to serve: add salt and pepper after peeling.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Dropping eggs in: lower them gently with tongs, a slotted spoon or a ladle.
• Crowding the pot: arrange the eggs in a single layer.
• Guessing the doneness: use a timer and choose one of the listed cooking times.
• Skipping the cold bath: transfer the cooked eggs to cold water or an ice bath for about 5 minutes.
• Peeling while too hot: wait until the eggs are cool enough to handle.

How to store

Refrigerate cooked eggs in their shells in a covered container and use within 1 week. If peeled, keep them covered in the refrigerator and use within 3 days. Serve cold or warm gently; avoid prolonged heating.

Frequently asked questions