Soft-boiled eggs

10 min.
Soft-boiled eggs are a classic and delectable breakfast that can also be enjoyed in salads, on toast, and as a topping for ramen. But getting them just right can be a bit of a challenge. Do you cook the eggs for three minutes or five? Should you use room-temperature eggs or straight from the fridge? Fear not, we have got you covered with a foolproof recipe for delicious soft-boiled eggs. 

Ingredients

4 portions

Instructions

Tip

Making soft-boiled egg can be a bit of a challenge, but with a few tips and tricks, you will do just fine. Firstly, it is important to use fresh eggs that are at room temperature, as this will help to ensure even cooking. Older eggs tend to have a looser egg white, making them more challenging to cook evenly. To check if the eggs are done, you can use a timer or a simple trick of gently spinning the egg; if it spins quickly, it is still raw, but if it spins slowly and wobbles a bit, it is cooked. Once the eggs are done, remove them from the water and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also make them easier to peel.

Questions about soft-boiled eggs

Make a wonderfully delicious breakfast treat in just a few minutes using our recipe for soft-boiled eggs. Read on to find out more.
How to make a soft-boiled egg?

Pour 1 cup of water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the eggs using a tablespoon and cover the pot with a lid. Let the eggs simmer for 5 minutes over low heat. Next, remove the egg from the pot and pour cold water over them to make them easier to peel.

How many minutes for a soft-boiled egg?

Soft-boiled eggs are typically boiled for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of the egg and the desired level of doneness. For a slightly runny yolk, 4 minutes is usually sufficient, while a more custardy yolk can be achieved with 5-6 minutes of boiling time. Since we use medium-sized eggs, we aim for about 5 minutes.

How to peel a soft-boiled egg?

To peel the egg, first, pour cold water over it to make it easier to peel. Then, gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. Start peeling the shell from the wider end of the egg, where there is usually an air pocket. Carefully slide your finger under the shell and loosen it from the egg, making sure to remove the thin membrane that clings to the egg white. Once you have removed the shell, your soft-boiled egg is ready to enjoy!

How to eat a soft-boiled egg?

There are a few ways to eat soft-boiled eggs. One way is to simply crack open the egg and eat it straight out of the shell with a spoon. Another option is to slice off the top of the egg and use a small spoon to scoop out the runny yolk and white. If you prefer not to eat it simply as is, soft-boiled eggs are also a delicious addition to salads, ramen bowls, or served on toast with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Can soft-boiled eggs be refrigerated?

Yes, soft-boiled eggs can be refrigerated if you want to eat them later. To do this, leave the shell intact and store the soft-boiled eggs in the fridge. They should be consumed within 2-3 days for best quality. It is important to note that the texture of the egg white may become slightly rubbery when refrigerated, but the yolk should still be runny. To serve the eggs after refrigeration, simply let them come to room temperature for a few minutes or run them under warm water.

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Make the desired soft-boiled egg

A soft-boiled egg is a thing of beauty. When done right, the egg white is just set, while the yolk remains gloriously runny. This creates a pleasant contrast in texture and flavor with the yolk flowing out smoothly, complementing the soft texture of the egg white with its warm and velvety richness. The egg is delicate yet satisfying and deliciously rich in flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a topping for salads or toast, a soft-boiled egg is a treat for the palate.

Choose the right timing

Choosing the right timing is crucial when it comes to making a soft-boiled egg. For a slightly runny yolk, boiling the egg for 4 minutes should do the trick. But if you prefer a more custardy yolk, 5-6 minutes may be the sweet spot. However, the exact timing depends on a few factors, such as the size of the egg, the freshness, and the heat of the stove. It is a good idea to experiment a little to find what works best in your kitchen. So next time you are making a soft-boiled egg, pay attention to the timing and let your taste buds guide you towards the desired runniness level. With a little practice, you will be able to make flawless soft-boiled eggs every time!

How to serve soft-boiled eggs

Soft-boiled eggs are a simple delicacy that can be enjoyed in many different ways. From a simple breakfast egg with toast to a rich salad topping or as a delicious addition to a steaming bowl of ramen, a soft-boiled egg has something for everyone. By experimenting with different serving ideas, you can create a range of delicious dishes that showcase the versatility and simplicity of a soft-boiled egg. We have a few ideas to get you started, so you can enjoy a soft-boiled egg whenever you like.

For breakfast

Soft-boiled eggs are a classic breakfast item, and there are many ways to enjoy them. One popular way to serve them is in an egg cup with a spoon, so you can easily scoop out the soft, runny yolk. Another delicious way to enjoy a soft-boiled egg for breakfast is to slice off the top and enjoy it with a piece of buttered toast. The toast can be sliced into thin strips, which can then be used to dip into the runny yolk, creating a delicious and indulgent experience. The yolk acts like a fondue, elevating the simple toast to a gourmet treat. This is a great breakfast for those who enjoy a touch of luxury and decadence in their morning routine.

On salads

Soft-boiled eggs are a fantastic addition to salads, adding a rich and creamy texture that is hard to resist. When adding soft-boiled eggs to a salad, there are a few different ways to go about it. One popular method is to slice the egg in half and place it on top of the salad. This allows the yolk to spread out over the greens, acting as a natural dressing.

The yolk of a soft-boiled egg is a versatile ingredient that can add a lot of flavor and richness to a salad. It has a creamy texture that can complement the crispness of the greens and other vegetables. When choosing the greens for your salad, opt for a variety of textures and flavors. Arugula, spinach, and kale are all great options that will provide a range of different tastes and textures.

With ramen

A soft-boiled egg is a great addition to a comforting bowl of ramen. The runny yolk of the egg adds a creamy texture to the savory broth and noodles, creating a delicious umami flavor that is hard to resist. Cut the egg in half and place it on top of the bowl. This allows the yolk to ooze out and mix with the broth, creating a rich and satisfying dish. This creates a beautiful visual effect. This is also a great way to add some extra texture and flavor to your ramen, creating a delicious and indulgent meal that is perfect for a cosy night in.

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