How to boil an egg

Knowing how to boil an egg is one of those simple skills that’s surprisingly useful, whether you’re making breaky, lunchboxes or a quick snack. The trick is all in the timing, and with this easy step-by-step method you’ll get your eggs just the way you like them, soft, runny or hard boiled, every time.

Method

Step 1

Fill saucepan with water, cover with a lid and bring to boil.

A person filling a saucepan with water

Step 2

Turn down the temperature so it’s gently simmering, and using a spoon, gently put the eggs into the water.

Eggs boiling in a pot

Step 3

Let the water continue to simmer for 6 minutes for runny yolk, 8 minutes for soft boiled and 10 minute for hard boiled.

Step 4

Use a spoon to remove eggs from the water.

A person removing boiled eggs from water

Step 5

Run eggs under cold tap water for 30 seconds to cool them down.