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The ultimate guide to boiling eggs

It isn't necessarily as easy as you think! Here's how.
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Boiled eggs are a popular breakfast item across the globe. But even beyond brekkie, it’s a staple ingredient often added to salads, noodles and sandwiches.

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Watch: Smokey Asparagus And Egg Salad With Roasted Leg Lamb

Whether you like your eggs hard-boiled, medium or soft and runny, it all comes down to the minutes you boil them in a saucepan.

Take the guesswork out of a simple task and follow our tips so you can get perfect eggs every time.

Do you put eggs in water before or after it boils?

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Place eggs in a saucpean of cold water, then bring to the boil. This is the best practice to follow to help prevent eggs from cracking and bursting due to the heat. As the water starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer.

Which eggs should you use?

Before we show you the best way to boil an egg, it’s important to pick the right eggs that work best for your chosen cooking method.

• Super fresh are best for poached eggs and fried eggs.

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A few days old are best for boiled eggs.

Slightly older but still in date are just right for frittatas or scrambled eggs.

how to boil an egg
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

How to test the freshness of your egg

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The easiest way to check the freshness of an egg is by putting it in a bowl of water. If it floats, it indicates there is a large air bubble inside your egg, meaning it is too old. If it hangs out mid-way, it’s a few days old, and if it sinks to the bottom, it is super fresh.

How to soft boil an egg

The recommended time frame for a soft boiled egg is four minutes. Depending on how runny you want the yolk you can adjust the time by a minute.

How to boil eggs to a medium firmness

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For semi-firm yolks and hard whites, set your timer for five minutes.

How to hard boil an egg

Cook your eggs for 9-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs with no runny spots.

How to prevent eggs from overcooking

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Once you’ve boiled your eggs to your liking, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the eggs one by one from your saucepan. Place them in a bowl of cold water to help stop the cooking process. The ice cold water is a great hack that make the peeling process a breeze.

How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?

Hard-boiled eggs can last in your refrigerator for up to a week, while soft-boiled eggs in shells will last a maximum of two days as long as they are stored correctly.

plate of boiled eggs how to boilegg
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)
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