Soft Boiled Eggs Cooking Time Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table detailing the cooking times for soft-boiled eggs based on different methods and desired doneness levels. This includes stovetop boiling, steaming, and microwave methods, as well as tips for achieving the best results.
Soft Boiled Eggs Cooking Time Table
| Cooking Method | Egg Size | Desired Doneness | Cooking Time | Post-Cooking Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop Boiling | Large | Runny yolk, firm white | 6-7 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | Start timing when water boils. |
| Slightly runny yolk | 5-6 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | |||
| Medium | Runny yolk, firm white | 5-6 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | Slightly adjust for size. | |
| Small | Runny yolk, firm white | 4-5 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | Slightly adjust for size. | |
| Extra Large | Runny yolk, firm white | 7-8 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | Slightly adjust for size. | |
| Steaming | Large | Runny yolk, firm white | 6-7 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | Use a steamer basket over boiling water. |
| Medium | Runny yolk, firm white | 5-6 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | ||
| Small | Runny yolk, firm white | 4-5 minutes | Ice bath for 5-10 minutes | ||
| Microwave | Large | Runny yolk, firm white | 6-8 minutes | Cool in cold water for 5-10 minutes | Use a microwave-safe container with water. |
| Medium | Runny yolk, firm white | 5-7 minutes | Cool in cold water for 5-10 minutes | ||
| Small | Runny yolk, firm white | 4-6 minutes | Cool in cold water for 5-10 minutes |
Additional Tips
- Ice Bath: Immediately after cooking, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and make peeling easier.
- Fresh Eggs: For the best results, use eggs that are a few days old, as they tend to peel more easily than very fresh eggs.
- Altitude Adjustment: Cooking times may need to be increased at higher altitudes due to lower boiling temperatures.
- Testing for Doneness: If you’re unsure about doneness, crack one open after the minimum cooking time to check.
- Peeling Technique: Gently tap the egg on a hard surface and roll it to create cracks before peeling for easier removal of the shell.