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 breakfast, or preparing a quick snack. The trick is the timing, and this easy step-by-step method, you’ll get your eggs just the way you like them, soft, runny, or hard boiled, every

Step 1

Fill a saucepan with enough water to fully cover the eggs. Cover with a lid and bring the water to a boil.

Step 2

Reduce the heat so the water is gently simmering. Using a spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the water.

Step 3

Let the water continue to simmer. Set a timer:

  • 6 minutes for a runny yolk
  • 8 minutes for soft boiled
  • 10 minutes for hard boiled

Step 4

Use a spoon to carefully remove the eggs from the water. Run the eggs under cold tap water for 30 seconds to cool them down and stop the cooking process.

Step 5

Safety tips:

  • Be careful when handling the pot of boiling water to avoid burns. Use oven mitts when handling the hot saucepan.
  • Lower the eggs gently into the water with a spoon to prevent them from cracking or splashing hot water.
  • When draining the hot water, pour it away from yourself to avoid steam burns.
  • If you’re cooking multiple eggs, make sure the saucepan is large enough to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

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