How to make soft boiled eggs is an easy, everyday recipe. They should be made exactly soft, with very tender whites and a runny yolk. These eggs go great alone, over rice, or as a flavorful addition to grilled vegetables, noodles, and in ramen soup.

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I grew up with soft boiled eggs and just have to laugh about it because my kids seem to only love hard boiled eggs, and I think they are totally missing out!
I’m so lucky as to have had the taste for the tasty egg yolk since I was young, and nothing has changed!
So you name it, jammy eggs, over easy eggs, and even soy eggs…I love them all!
What are Soft Boiled Eggs
- Soft boiled eggs are eggs that have been cooked in their shell in simmering water for a short amount of time, resulting in a mostly set white and a runny yolk.
- The whites should have a very soft consistency, while the yolk is still liquid and runny.
- Soft boiled eggs are often enjoyed on their own, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or as a topping for dishes such as rice, grilled vegetables, noodles, and ramen soup.
Ingredients
- Fresh eggs
- Water
- Ice (optional)
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggs
- Take the desired number of fresh eggs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
- Boil the Water
- Fill a saucepan with water, ensuring there’s enough water to cover the eggs by an inch.
- Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Eggs
- Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon to prevent cracking.
- Set a timer for 5 minutes for a runny yolk, depending on the desired consistency. 4 minutes for very runny and super soft whites.
- Prepare an Ice Bath (Optional)
- While the eggs simmer, fill a bowl with cold water and ice.
- Transfer the Eggs
- Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath using the slotted spoon to halt the cooking process. If not using an ice bath, transfer the eggs directly to a plate.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel and discard the shell.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For consistent results, it’s best to use eggs at room temperature.
- Adjust the cooking time based on egg size and desired yolk consistency.
Add-Ins and Variations
- Sprinkle with furikake, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of soy sauce for added flavor.
How to Serve Soft Boiled Eggs
- Soft boiled eggs can be served on their own with a sprinkle of salt and pepper
- Serve with toast or on top of toast, with steak for breakfast, or top over grilled veggies like white asparagus, or serve over steamed rice.
How to Peel Soft Boiled Eggs
- Gently tap the boiled egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel it slowly. It will be better if the egg is under water so water can get under the membrane, and the shell will loosen. (When I worked at a restaurant, that is how they peeled the eggs)
- You can peel it over the top half and use a spoon to scoop and eat the egg straight from the shell.
- An egg cup also is helpful with soft boiled eggs.
Enjoy your delicious soft boiled eggs!

Soft Boiled Eggs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 small pot
- 1 slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Fresh eggs
- Water
- Ice optional
Instructions
Prepare the Eggs
- Take the desired number of fresh eggs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.2 Fresh eggs
Boil the Water
- Fill a saucepan with water, ensuring there’s enough water to cover the eggs by an inch.Water
- Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Simmer the Eggs
- Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon to prevent cracking.
- Set a timer for 5 minutes for a runny yolk, depending on the desired consistency. 4 minutes for very runny.
Prepare an Ice Bath (Optional)
- While the eggs simmer, fill a bowl with cold water and ice.Ice
Transfer the Eggs
- Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath using the slotted spoon to halt the cooking process. If not using an ice bath, transfer the eggs directly to a plate.
Serve and Enjoy
- Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel and discard the shell.
- Sprinkle the soft boiled eggs with salt and pepper if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For consistent results, it’s best to use eggs at room temperature.
- Adjust the cooking time based on egg size and desired yolk consistency.
- Gently tap the boiled egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel it slowly. It will be better if the egg is under water so water can get under the membrane, and the shell will loosen. (When I worked at a restaurant, that is how they peeled the eggs)

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