How to Boil Eggs
Jazmin Anderson
| 2 min read
Key Takeaways
- One large egg provides about 72 calories, 4g of fat, 6g of protein and a range of vitamins, making it a nutrient‑dense option for meals and snacks.
- For perfectly cooked yolks, boil eggs for 4–6 minutes for a runny center, 7–8 minutes for a soft, custard‑like yolk, 9–10 minutes for a medium‑firm yolk and 12 minutes for a fully hard‑boiled egg; then plunge them into an ice bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool, peeled or unpeeled boiled eggs keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week when stored in a sealed container or zip‑top bag.
Eggs are a popular nutritional staple in many households as they are a good source of protein, healthy fats and vitamins, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Aside from their nutritional benefits, they are also favored for their versatility as they can be used in a variety of dishes from breakfast to dessert. Boiled eggs specifically are a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
One large egg contains about:
- 72 calories
- 4 grams of fat
- 6 grams of protein
- 0 carbohydrates
- 66 milligrams of potassium
- 65 milligrams of sodium
- Vitamins A, D and B12
How to boil eggs
Here are some tips for making boiled eggs to your liking.
Prepare the water
Pour water into a saucepan that comfortably fits the eggs in a single layer at the bottom. Make sure there’s enough water in the pan to cover the eggs by about one inch. Place the eggs in the pan with the water, then bring them to a rolling boil. Boiling the water with the eggs already in the pan helps prevent a temperature shock that could lead to cracks or uneven cooking.
How long to boil eggs
The time it takes for eggs to boil depends on the texture you desire and the size of the eggs you are using. If you have smaller eggs, pick the lower end of the suggested timeframes to achieve the results you want. For larger eggs, go with the higher cooking intervals.
- 4-6 minutes for a runny yolk
- If you prefer a fluid center for dipping, 4-6 minutes would be the right boiling time for your preferences.
- 7-8 minutes for a soft yolk
- The yolk after 7-8 minutes of boiling takes on a creamy custard-like texture.
- 9-10 minutes for a medium firm yolk
- Leaving the eggs in boiling water for 9-10 minutes will make the yolk firm, but still a little creamy.
- 12 minutes for a hard-boiled egg
- After 12 minutes, the yolk will turn firm and dry.
Once done boiling, transfer the eggs to an ice bath for about 10 minutes. This will prevent the eggs from cooking further and keep the desired firmness.
Peeling tips
To separate the shell easily, crack it throughout the entire surface of the egg, then roll it between your palms. This way, the shell should peel away smoothly without damaging the egg.
Storage
Once cooled, boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store them in a sealable container or zip-top bag with their shells on to ensure the eggs retain their freshness.
Image: Getty Images
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