How to boil an egg
- Alice Shields
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Learn how long to boil an egg for the perfect consistency, whether you're after runny yolks or hard-boiled. Plus, check out our recipe ideas.
A perfectly runny, soft-boiled dippy egg is my weekend breakfast of choice, so it’s fair to say that I’ve definitely ‘cracked’ the cooking process over the years. There’s nothing more disappointing than a badly cooked egg, but with our expert cooking guide you can say goodbye to rock-hard powdery yolks and guarantee a perfect centre every time.
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For more cooking methods, see how to make hard boiled eggs, how to fry an egg and how to make scrambled eggs in the microwave.
Follow my guide for how to boil eggs perfectly and serve them with toast for an easy high-protein breakfast">, cook up a hearty kedgeree or use boiled eggs to top a simple salad. If you're looking to make the classic boiled egg with soldiers check out our best toasters review for the perfect toast with your boiled eggs every morning
Find plenty of inspiration in our best ever boiled egg recipes.
Alice Shields is one of our food team experts, and doesn’t yolk-around when it comes to cooking a perfect boiled egg having developed dozens of recipes over the years. Read on for her top egg cooking tips, or check out more of Alice's recipes.
How to boil an egg
I always make sure the eggs aren't fridge cold. By having the eggs at room temperature, it will be less of a shock for the egg reaching the hot water and therefore less likely to crack. You can also use an egg pricker to make a very small hole in each egg before boiling, which will also reduce the chances of it cracking in the heat.
I use large hens' eggs at room temperature lowered into boiling water. When done, scoop the eggs out of the pan and put them in a bowl of cold water (if you’re not eating them straight away) to prevent them cooking any further.
How long to boil an egg
Follow these timings for how to boil an egg for a runny yolk, soft set centre or until hard boiled:
- 5 minutes: set white and runny yolk – just right for dipping into
- 6 minutes: liquid yolk – a little less oozy
- 7 minutes: almost set – deliciously sticky
- 8 minutes: softly set – this is what you want to make Scotch eggs
- 10 minutes: the classic hard-boiled egg – mashable but not dry and chalky
Watch the video above to find out how to perfectly boil eggs, whether you like yours runny or hard-boiled.
Now that you have beautifully boiled eggs, put them to good use with 10 sensational soldiers, or whip up one of my favourite recipes:
Scotch eggs
Winter tuna Niçoise
Ramen with chicken bone broth, pork shoulder, soft-boiled egg & greens
Salmon & egg wraps with mustard mayo
Curried egg mayo sandwich topper
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Are you a dippy egg devotee, or a hard-boiled believer? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below...
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