How Long to Boil Eggs? A Simple Guide for Every Texture

Boiling eggs is easy, as long as you know how long it takes to get the desired level of doneness.

oleh Loudia Mahartika Modified Date 26 Mar 2025, 11:07 AM
How Long to Boil Eggs? A Simple Guide for Every Texture (copyright Freepik)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Have you ever wondered how long it takes to boil eggs to suit your taste? Boiling eggs is easy, as long as you know how long it takes to get the desired level of doneness. Whether for a quick breakfast, salad dressing, or cooking ingredients. This article will guide you in determining the right time to boil eggs, from soft-boiled to perfectly cooked.

The time to boil eggs really depends on how cooked you want them. The boiling process is counted after the water boils, so ensure the eggs are put in after the water is completely boiling. Also, use low heat so the eggs do not break during boiling. After cooking, immediately sink the eggs in cold water to stop the heating process and make peeling easier. Here are the details of the boiling time for various levels of egg doneness.

Remember, these additional tips are important for perfect boiled egg results: Use low heat so that the eggs do not crack, and immediately immerse them in cold water after boiling to make it easier to peel. The boiling time is counted after the water boils, so make sure the water is completely boiling before adding the eggs.


Soft Boiled Eggs

Soft Boiled Eggs (copyright Pexels/Antoni Shkraba)

For soft-boiled eggs, boil them for 4-6 minutes. The yolk will still be runny and soft, perfect for breakfast on toast or as a salad topping. Boiling for 4 minutes will result in a very runny yolk, while 6 minutes will result in a thicker, but still soft and creamy yolk.

The soft and creamy texture of the yolk is the main attraction of soft-boiled eggs. The right boiling time will produce the right taste and texture, not too soft or too dense.

Feel free to experiment with boiling times to find the level of doneness that best suits your taste. Some people prefer a very runny yolk, while others prefer a slightly thicker one.


Medium Boiled Eggs

Medium Boiled Eggs/Photo by Trang Doan from Pexels

If you like a slightly soft but almost solid yolk, boil the egg for 7-9 minutes. The texture will be soft, but not too runny like a soft-boiled egg. This is the right choice for those who want to balance soft and solid textures.

A 7-9-minute boil will produce a fairly solid yolk, but the egg will still have a soft texture and be easy to chew. Medium-boiled eggs are suitable for various dishes, both as snacks and as an additional ingredient in cooking.

Pay attention to the texture of the egg yolk after boiling. If it is still too soft, boil it for a little longer. Conversely, if it is too solid, reduce the boiling time next time.


Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard Boiled Eggs / Freepik by timolina

For perfectly cooked eggs, boil them for 10-15 minutes. The white and the yolk will be perfectly cooked with a dense texture. Boiling for 10 minutes will produce a thicker and paler yolk, but still soft. Boiling for more than 10 minutes will produce a very dense texture that is not easily broken, suitable for dishes such as balado or spiced eggs.

Perfectly cooked eggs are very versatile and can be used in various recipes. Their dense texture makes them ideal for slicing, dicing, or crushing.

The difference in boiling time of 10 and 15 minutes will produce a different egg yolk texture. Choose the time that suits your needs and tastes.


Boiled Eggs 1-3 Minutes

Boiled Eggs 1-3 Minutes ©by AI

Boiling eggs for 1-3 minutes will produce slightly cooked egg whites, while the yolks are still raw. The shape will be easy to break when peeling, so extra care must be taken.

This type of boiled egg is suitable for those who like eggs' unique and slightly challenging texture. However, remember that these eggs are more easily broken than other boiled eggs.

Despite their unique texture, boiled eggs for 1-3 minutes may not be for everyone. Before trying this method, consider the texture and level of doneness you like.

You can easily make boiled eggs according to your taste with the boiling time guide above. Good luck!