health
How to Properly Boil Eggs
Find out exactly how many minutes to boil an egg for a soft, medium, or hard yolk. Here's which minute is crucial for a perfectly boiled egg every time.
TL;DR
- Egg whites coagulate at a lower temperature than yolks, making precise cooking times vital for desired texture.
- Soft-boiled eggs (liquid yolk, slightly firm white) take 4-5 minutes.
- Medium-boiled eggs (firm white, jam-like yolk) take 6-7 minutes.
- Hard-boiled eggs (firm yolk) take 9-12 minutes, with 10-11 minutes optimal for salads.
- A green ring around the yolk indicates an overcooked egg.
- Immediately cooling eggs in ice water stops cooking and aids peeling.
- Eggs aged 7-10 days peel easier than very fresh ones.
- Adding salt or vinegar can help prevent whites from leaking if the shell cracks.
- Hard-boiled eggs last up to 7 days in the fridge; peeled eggs are best consumed within 48 hours.