To boil eggs, follow these steps:
- Place the eggs in a saucepan or pot: Place the eggs gently in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Use a pot large enough to comfortably hold the number of eggs you are boiling.
- Add water: Add enough cold water to the pot to cover the eggs by about an inch.
- Heat the water: Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Boil the eggs: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil. Start a timer for the desired cooking time:
- Soft-boiled eggs: Cook for around 4-6 minutes for a runny yolk or 7-9 minutes for a slightly firmer yolk.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Cook for about 9-12 minutes for a fully cooked yolk.
Note: Adjust the cooking time based on your preference and the size of the eggs. Larger eggs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Prepare an ice bath: While the eggs are boiling, prepare a bowl filled with ice and water.
- Remove the eggs from heat and transfer to the ice bath: Once the desired cooking time is reached, use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully transfer the eggs from the boiling water to the ice bath. This helps stop the cooking process and makes them easier to peel.
- Let the eggs cool: Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for about 5 minutes to cool and fully chill.
- Peel and enjoy: After cooling, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel the shell off. Rinse the eggs under cool water to remove any shell fragments. Your boiled eggs are now ready to be enjoyed or used in various recipes.
Remember that cooking times may vary depending on factors such as egg size and desired doneness. It’s a good idea to experiment with a few eggs to determine the ideal cooking time for your preference.