The time it takes to boil an egg depends on how you like your yolk cooked, ranging from a runny yolk to a hard-boiled egg. Here's a guide:
Egg Boiling Times & Yolk Consistency
The following table outlines the different boiling times and the resulting yolk consistency, providing options for everyone's preference.
| Time (Minutes) | Yolk Consistency | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Set white, runny yolk | Dipping |
| 6 | Liquid yolk, less oozy | Salads, light eating |
| 7 | Almost set, sticky | Toast, egg mayo |
| 8 | Softly set | Scotch eggs |
| 10 | Classic hard-boiled egg | Mashing, deviled eggs, egg salad |
How to Achieve the Perfect Boil
- Start Cold: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Ensure the water covers the eggs by at least an inch.
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Adjust Heat & Set Timer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Then immediately set your timer for the desired cooking time using the table above.
- Ice Bath: Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will also make the eggs easier to peel.
- Peel & Enjoy: Once the eggs are cool, they're ready to peel and enjoy!
Choosing Your Cook Time
- For a dippable egg with a runny yolk, boil for 5 minutes.
- If you prefer a slightly less runny yolk, opt for 6 minutes.
- For a sticky yolk, a boil time of 7 minutes is ideal.
- To make Scotch eggs, boil your eggs for 8 minutes to get a softly set yolk.
- For the classic hard-boiled egg suitable for mashing, boil for 10 minutes.
By following these times, you'll be able to consistently boil eggs to your desired consistency.
