How to boil an egg

Jammy or firm, timed to the minute.

Time: 15 min · Difficulty: Easy · 4 steps

What you need

Steps

  1. Egg in the pot, water on top

    A hand lowering an egg on a spoon into a pot of water

    Lower the egg into the pot with a spoon. Add cold water until it covers the egg by about a thumb’s length.

    Tip: spoon it in so it doesn’t crack

  2. Bring it to a boil

    A pot of bubbling water on a stove flame

    Heat on high until big bubbles roll across the top of the water.

    Tip: stay close to the stove

  3. Set a timer

    A kitchen timer counting down

    Turn the heat down to medium, pick how you like your yolk, and press start: 6 minutes for soft and jammy, 9 minutes for firm.

    Tip: 6 = jammy, 9 = firm

  4. Cool it, then peel

    An egg cooling in ice water while hands peel another

    Scoop the egg into ice water for 2 minutes. Tap it on the counter and peel, starting from the wide end.

    Tip: start at the fat end

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