How to cook a soft-boiled egg

How to cook a soft-boiled egg

Cuisine type: Modern Australian
Cooking time: Less than 15 minutes
Special options: Kid friendly, Low Carb, Vegetarian
Course: Breakfast
Favourite flavours: Easy recipes

How to cook a soft-boiled egg
INGREDIENTS

There is a great debate and many points of view on how to boil the perfect egg. However, there are a few points that all the experts agree on.
METHOD

There is a great debate and many points of view on how to boil the perfect egg. However, there are a few points that all the experts agree on:

  • Always cook a fresh egg and one that is at room temperature (not straight out of the fridge).

  • Use a small pan, so that the eggs do not have room to move.

  • Start with cold water and only just cover the eggs by 1cm.

  • Always use a kitchen timer avoid using your watch or clock.

  • Never use fast boiling water; a gentle simmer is all they need.

  • Never boil eggs longer than necessary as the yolks turn dark and rubbery.


Place eggs into a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for:

Really soft runny eggs – 2 minutes.

White just set and yolk that is creamy – 3 minutes.
White and yolk perfectly set with yolk that is creamy - 4 minutes.

Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and transfer to egg cups. Slice off tops and serve with buttered fingers (soldiers) of freshly toasted bread.

Recipe Search

Tip: Try "lamb & potato" or "Low GI"
advertisement
    Features
    Pictures
    Video
    Potato and leek soup2 medium potatoes (400g), chopped coarsely 2 medium carrots (240g), chopped coarsely 1 large brown onion (200g), chopped coarsely 1 medium tomato (150g), chopped coarsely 1 stalk celery (150g), trimmed, chopped coarsely 1.5 litres (6 cups) water 1 tablespoon olive oil 50g butter 4 medium potatoes (800g), chopped coarsely, extra 1 large leek (500g), sliced thickly 300ml cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill Hearty bacon, lentil and vegetable soup1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium (150g) brown onion, chopped finely 4 (280g) bacon rashers, chopped finely 2 sticks (300g) celery, trimmed, chopped coarsely 2 medium (240g) carrots, chopped coarsely 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup (200g) red lentils 1 litre (4 cups) salt-reduced chicken stock 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives Chicken and sweet corn soup3 cups (750ml) salt-reduced chicken stock 1 cup (250ml) water 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine or sherry 3cm piece (15g) fresh ginger, grated 1 clove garlic, sliced thinly 2 teaspoons salt-reduced soy sauce 2 (400g) chicken breast fillets 1 egg 420g can creamed corn 310g can corn kernels, rinsed, drained 3 green onions (green shallots), sliced thinly Pea and ham soup1 medium (150g) brown onion, chopped coarsely 2 trimmed (200g) celery stalks, chopped coarsely 2 bay leaves 1.5kg ham hocks 2.5 litres (10 cups) water 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper 2 cups (375g) split green peas Chunky beef and vegetable soup2 tablespoons olive oil 600g gravy beef, trimmed, cut into 2cm pieces 1 medium brown onion (150g), chopped coarsely 1 clove garlic, crushed 1.5 litres (6 cups) water 1 cup (250ml) beef stock 400g can diced tomatoes 2 trimmed celery stalks (200g), cut into 1cm pieces 1 medium carrot (120g), cut into 1cm pieces 2 small potatoes (240g), cut into 1cm pieces 310g can corn kernels, rinsed, drained ½ cup (60g) frozen peas

    Megan Gale shines on Cannes red carpet

    Megan Gale shines on Cannes red carpetShe's walked kilometres of red carpet in her time, but Megan Gale says nothing...More >

    Leonardo DiCaprio: From Romeo to Gatsby

    Leonardo DiCaprio: From Romeo to GatsbyMost actors would be lucky to win one truly iconic film role in their lifetime...More >
    Horoscopes by Jessica AdamsHoroscopes by Jessica Adams The ultimate Mother's Day gift guideThe ultimate Mother's Day gift guide

    Weekly newsletter

    Recipes in your inboxWe send you the latest recipes from the Weekly plus all the week's best bits to your inbox.
    Sign up now >
    ww |

    topics

    Handy hints(740)/ Expert advice(530)/ Books(451)/ natural health(438)/ Royals(388)/ diet(369)/ Food(360)/ Recipes(350)/ Royal Family(320)/ Health(284)/ Celebrities(253)

    Also on Ninemsn