To boil the best soft-boiled egg, follow these steps:
Start with room temperature eggs: Remove the eggs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent the shells from cracking when placed in boiling water.
Boil water in a saucepan: Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water: Using a spoon or tongs, carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water one by one. Be gentle to prevent the eggs from cracking.
Set a timer: Once all the eggs are in the boiling water, set a timer for the desired level of doneness. For a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk and a slightly set white, cook the eggs for 4-5 minutes.
Prepare an ice bath: While the eggs are boiling, prepare a large bowl of ice water. This will be used to rapidly cool the eggs and stop the cooking process once the desired time is reached.
Remove the eggs from the boiling water: When the timer goes off, use a spoon or tongs to carefully remove the eggs from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to the ice bath. This helps cool them down quickly.
Cool and peel the eggs: Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for about 5 minutes to cool and stop the cooking process. Afterward, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel the shell off.
Serve and enjoy: Place the peeled soft-boiled eggs in an egg cup or a small bowl. Season them with salt and pepper if desired. To eat, carefully slice off the top of the egg, revealing the soft, runny yolk inside. Serve with toast, on salads, or enjoy them as is.
Remember, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the eggs and your preference for the level of doneness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired consistency for the yolk.