How to Make the Perfect Soft Boiled Egg: Classic, Sous Vide, Microwave, Instant Pot, Steaming, Boiling and Resting, and Baking Methods

Introduction

Soft boiled eggs are a popular breakfast item around the world. From Japan’s ramen to the UK’s soldiers, people enjoy the creamy yolk and delicate whites of a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg. However, some people struggle with getting it just right. Fear no more! This article will provide you with different methods to make the perfect soft boiled egg, every time.

The Classic Method

The classic method is the most common way to make a soft boiled egg. Here’s how:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Using a slotted spoon, gently add the eggs to the boiling water.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook the eggs for exactly six minutes.
4. Remove the eggs with the slotted spoon, and immediately place them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
5. Tap the eggs gently with a spoon to crack the shell, and peel the shell off carefully.

Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature eggs for even cooking.
• Keep an eye on the timer to avoid overcooking.
• Use a slotted spoon to avoid breaking the eggs during cooking.

Common mistakes people make with this method include overcooking the eggs, not using room temperature eggs, and not cooling the eggs down immediately after cooking.

Sous Vide Method

The sous vide method involves cooking food in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath. This method allows for precise temperature control, resulting in a perfect soft boiled egg every time.

1. Fill a container with water and set your sous vide machine to 75°C (167°F).
2. Place the eggs in a vacuum-sealed bag, and seal the bag. Alternatively, you can use a ziplock bag and remove the air using the water displacement method.
3. Cook the eggs in the water bath for 13 minutes.
4. Remove the eggs from the bag and serve immediately.

Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time:

• Make sure the water is heated to the correct temperature.
• Use a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag for even cooking.

Common mistakes people make with this method include using a temperature that is too high, not vacuum-sealing the bag properly, and overcooking the eggs.

Microwave Method

The microwave method is a quick and easy way to make a soft boiled egg.

1. Place the egg in a microwave-safe bowl with enough water to cover the egg.
2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate.
3. Microwave the egg on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
4. Remove the egg with a slotted spoon, and immediately place it in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Gently crack the shell and peel it off carefully.

Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time:

• Make sure the egg is fully submerged in the water to avoid uneven cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your microwave’s wattage to avoid overcooking.

Common mistakes people make with this method include overcooking the egg, not covering the bowl properly, and not immediately cooling the egg down after cooking.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot is a popular multi-cooker that can be used to make many different dishes, including soft boiled eggs.

1. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and insert the trivet.
2. Place the eggs on the trivet.
3. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to “sealing.”
4. Select the “manual” button, and set the cooking time to 3 minutes on high pressure.
5. Quick-release the pressure and immediately place the eggs in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. Tap the eggs gently with a spoon to crack the shell, and peel the shell off carefully.

Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature eggs for even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your Instant Pot’s model and altitude.

Common mistakes people make with this method include not adding enough water, not quick-releasing the pressure, and overcooking the eggs.

Steaming Method

The steaming method is another way to cook a soft boiled egg and requires minimal water.

1. Bring an inch of water to a boil in a pot that has a steamer basket or insert.
2. Add the eggs to the steamer basket, and cover the pot.
3. Steam the eggs for 6 minutes.
4. Remove the eggs with tongs, and immediately place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Tap the eggs gently with a spoon to crack the shell, and peel the shell off carefully.

Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature eggs for even cooking.
• Make sure the eggs are not touching the water to avoid uneven cooking.

Common mistakes people make with this method include overcooking the eggs, not adding enough water, and not cooling the eggs down immediately after cooking.

Boiling and Resting Method

The boiling and resting method is a popular way to make soft boiled eggs.

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Using a slotted spoon, gently add the eggs to the boiling water.
3. Cook the eggs for 4 minutes.
4. Remove the eggs with the slotted spoon, and immediately place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Let the eggs rest in the cold water for 2 minutes.
6. Tap the eggs gently with a spoon to crack the shell, and peel the shell off carefully.

Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature eggs for even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your altitude and quality of eggs.

Common mistakes people make with this method include overcooking the eggs, not using room temperature eggs, and not cooling the eggs down immediately after cooking.

Baking Method

The baking method is a mess-free way to make soft boiled eggs.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the eggs in a muffin tin, and bake them for 12 minutes.
3. Remove the eggs from the oven and immediately place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Tap the eggs gently with a spoon to crack the shell, and peel the shell off carefully.

Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature eggs for even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your oven’s model.

Common mistakes people make with this method include overcooking the eggs and not cooling the eggs down immediately after cooking.

Conclusion

There you have it, seven different methods to make the perfect soft boiled egg. Each method has its benefits and pitfalls, so try them all and see which one works best for you. Remember to use room temperature eggs, adjust the cooking time for your altitude and equipment, and cool the eggs down immediately after cooking to achieve the perfect soft boiled egg every time.