Egg yolks can be either soft or hard, depending on how they are cooked.
The texture of an egg yolk is determined by the cooking time. The longer an egg is cooked, the firmer the yolk becomes.
Soft vs. Hard Yolk: Cooking Times
- Soft Yolk: Boiling large eggs for about 7 minutes will typically result in a soft yolk. (Reference: 18-Oct-2019)
- Hard Yolk: To achieve a classic hard-boiled egg with a firm yolk, cook the eggs for up to 13 minutes. (Reference: 18-Oct-2019)
Factors Influencing Yolk Texture
While cooking time is the primary factor, other variables can influence the final texture of the yolk:
- Egg Size: Larger eggs may require slightly longer cooking times to achieve the desired yolk consistency.
- Altitude: At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, potentially requiring longer cooking times.
- Starting Temperature: Beginning with cold water versus already boiling water can also affect the overall cooking time.