How to make a jammy egg is an easy recipe with delectable results. Sometimes called ramen eggs or the 7 minute egg, jammy eggs have a creamy yellow center and cooked through whites for the best eggs to eat alone, over rice, in ramen and other soups, or accompanied with grilled vegetables. They are truly an elevation of a soft boiled egg that will soon become one of your favorite ways to eat eggs, ever.
Updated on October 18, 2025
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Why I love Jammy Eggs
I love eggs so much. In fact, our household goes through at least a dozen eggs every few days. Some days we go through as many as six eggs, easily. So knowing how to make a jammy egg is a must in order for our egg needs to be met…almost daily!
Jammy eggs, of all the egg styles, is my favorite way to eat eggs. There is no oil, and with a few simple steps, the egg comes out so perfect and golden rich in the center. You can really taste the yolk and all it’s tongue-hugging flavor.
I usually have it with ramen, arroz caldo, or over rice as my “anytime snack”.
When I was a kid, I always ate runny egg yolk. I am an expert at this point with the soft boiled egg that works best when eaten straight from the shell with a little spoon. So jammy eggs, for me, is the best step up because the yolk is literally, jammy, like a custard-like consistency…plus they are easier to peel!
This is more delicious for the kids and I, and especially all of the egg gets eaten and nothing goes to waste.
What are Jammy Eggs
Jammy eggs, also known as a version of non-marinated ramen eggs or 7 minute eggs, are a delightful culinary creation with a creamy, custard-like yolk and perfectly cooked, set, tender whites.
Unlike traditional hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, jammy eggs offer a velvety texture that is truly indulgent.
These are not to be mistaken with soft-boiled eggs, which are still very runny throughout the yolk and have extra soft whites.
These days, the top notch restaurants and ramen shops often use jammy eggs to enhance their dishes with the color, taste, and butteriness.
So, if you’re looking for a tasty and nourishing way to enjoy eggs, jammy eggs are sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
How long for jammy eggs
Since this type of egg preparation is sometimes called the seven minute egg…you guessed it! How long for jammy eggs is just about seven minutes and you are done, but consider a few points below.
When making jammy eggs, the size and freshness of your eggs matter for perfect results. Large eggs usually need about 30–45 seconds more cooking time than small eggs to achieve that creamy center.
Always bring your water to a gentle boil first, then carefully lower the eggs in using a spoon—this helps prevent cracking and ensures even cooking.
Quick tips:
- Large eggs: 6½–7 minutes for jammy yolks
- Medium/small eggs: 6 minutes
- Start timing right after eggs go into the boiling water, not before
- The Ice bath matters because this is what stops the cooking and keeps the inside yolk creamy.
The Best things about Jammy Eggs
- Texture of the yolk is soft but creamier than runny eggs. If you spoon the yolk, it still sticks to the spoon and comes off in dollops rather than completely running off.
- Set egg whites.
- Easier to peel than soft boiled.
- Compliments an array of dishes and can also be eaten alone.
- High source of protein and vitamins.
- No oil.
- How to make a jammy egg is easy with no mess. No dirty pans or pots to clean.
How to Choose the Right Eggs
You will need quality eggs to make jammy eggs. The yolk and freshness of the egg will affect both color and flavor and how long for jammy eggs.
Don’t fret, quality eggs, usually, can be accessed at many natural food stores and most major supermarkets. Personally, I just shop at the regular grocery store, check the date of the eggs, and go for the best free-range, brown eggs that I can find.
How to Choose the Best Eggs to Make Jammy Eggs
When selecting eggs for making soft boiled eggs, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Freshness: Look for eggs with a recent “pack date” to ensure freshness. The fresher the egg, the better the color and flavor of the yolk.
- Quality: Opt for high-quality eggs, preferably free-range or pastured, as they tend to have richer yolks and better flavor.
- Egg Size: Choose the right size of eggs for soft boiling. While any size of egg can be soft boiled, larger eggs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Now, let’s clarify the meaning of common egg terms:
- Pastured: These eggs come from hens that are allowed to roam and forage outdoors, leading to a diet rich in insects and plants. This results in eggs with deep yellow yolks and a richer taste.
- Free Range: Free-range hens have access to the outdoors, allowing them to engage in natural behaviors. This can contribute to better egg quality and a more ethical environment for the hens.
- Cage Free: Eggs labeled as cage-free come from hens that are not confined to cages. However, they may still be raised in indoor environments without outdoor access.
- USDA A or AA: These grading levels indicate the interior quality of the egg, with AA being the highest grade in terms of yolk firmness and albumen quality.
- Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved Seals: These certifications ensure that the eggs come from farms that meet specific animal welfare standards, providing assurance that the hens are raised in a humane environment.
By understanding these terms and factors, you can make informed decisions when choosing eggs, ultimately enhancing the quality and flavor of your jammy eggs.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Water
- Ice
Equipment
- Pot – for boiling the eggs
- Slotted Spoon – for removing the eggs
- Bowl – for the ice bath after cooking
Step by Step Instructions how to make jammy eggs
This jammy eggs recipe is for cold eggs from the refrigerator. If you use room temperature eggs, reduce the cook time by a minute.
Boil the Eggs
- Fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs by an inch.
- Bring the water to a high boil over high heat.
- Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon.
- Very slightly reduce the heat. Set a timer for 7 minutes.
Prepare an Ice Bath
- While the eggs are cooking, fill a bowl with water and add a generous amount of ice.
Transfer the Eggs to the Ice Bath
- When the timer goes off, use the slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to the ice bath.
- Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 1 minute to stop the cooking process.
Peel and Enjoy!
- Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shells, then peel them under cold running water to help loosen the shells.
- Slice the eggs in half and enjoy your perfect jammy eggs with the characteristic velvety, custard-like yolks and set whites.
Notes
- Only add the eggs once the water is at a full boil. Then, ensure you bring down the flame just a little once the eggs are in the water.
- Be sure your timer is not under or over the 7 minutes and remove the eggs once the timer is over.
- Use a generous amount of ice in the ice bath so the eggs are shocked and stop cooking once in the icy water.
- Gentle tapping and peeling under water with help ensure the egg whites stay intact and don’t break.
Add Ins and Variations
This how to make a jammy egg recipe is prepared in this one method, however, if you want a runnier or firmer jammy egg, lower or increase the time by one minute.
How To Serve Jammy Eggs
- Serve jammy eggs over rice or grains for a nourishing and satisfying meal.
- Add jammy eggs to ramen or noodle soups to elevate the flavor and make the broth creamy.
- Enjoy jammy eggs as a side dish to complement salads and vegetable-based dishes.
- Use jammy eggs as a protein-packed topping for avocado toast or sandwiches.
- Incorporate jammy eggs into bento boxes or lunch bowls for a convenient and delicious meal on the go.
- Create an indulgent Japanese-style egg sandwich with jammy eggs.
Questions
Can I store leftovers?
To store leftovers of this jammy eggs recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Enjoy them cold or gently reheat in hot water for a few minutes before serving. You can also marinate peeled eggs in a ramen egg marinade.
Can this jammy eggs recipe be made in advance?
These can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container, unpeeled, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, you can either consume them cold or gently reheat in hot water for a few minutes before serving.
My eggs are too hard.
The jammy eggs time is very important and whether you start with cold or room temperature eggs. Adding a minute to the recipe will alter the texture to be medium-done. Room temp eggs will need less time to cook. Also, do not miss placing the eggs in an ice bath.
Jammy Eggs Recipe
Equipment
- pot
- slotted spoon
- bowl for the ice bath
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Water
- Ice
Instructions
Boil the Eggs
- Fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs by an inch.Water
- Bring the water to a high boil over high heat.
- Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon.Eggs
- Very slightly reduce the heat. Set a timer for 7 minutes.
Prepare an Ice Bath
- While the eggs are cooking, fill a bowl with water and add a generous amount of ice.Ice
Transfer the Eggs to the Ice Bath
- When the timer goes off, use the slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to the ice bath.
- Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 1 minute to stop the cooking process.
Peel and Enjoy!
- Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shells, then peel them under cold running water to help loosen the shells.
- Slice the eggs in half and enjoy your perfect jammy eggs with the characteristic velvety, custard-like yolks and set whites.
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