How long for a perfect soft boiled egg?
For a large fridge-cold egg into boiling water: 6.5 minutes for a runny yolk; 7.5 minutes for a jammy texture. Our timer handles the math for you.
Why use an ice bath?
Two reasons: 1. Stop Cooking: It halts the residual heat instantly, preventing a soft yolk from turning hard. 2. Easy Peeling: The thermal shock shrinks the egg inside the shell, making it peel effortlessly.
Start with cold or boiling water?
Boiling water is best. It offers precise timing control and makes peeling much easier. Starting with cold water makes timing difficult as stove power varies.
How to prevent cracking?
1. Prick the large end of the egg with a pin to release air pressure. 2. Lower eggs gently with a spoon. 3. Avoid a violent boil; a gentle simmer is safer.
How fresh are my eggs?
Place an egg in water. If it sinks flat, it's fresh. If it stands up, it's older (good for boiling!). If it floats, discard it.