How to Make a Soft Boiled Egg

Ingredients:

* Fresh eggs

* Cold water

* Salt (optional)

Equipment:

* Saucepan

* Slotted spoon

* Bowl filled with ice water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ice Water Bath:

- Fill a bowl with cold water and add ice cubes. This helps stop the cooking process and preserves the soft, runny yolk.

2. Bring Water to a Boil:

- Add enough cold water to a saucepan to cover the eggs.

- Bring the water to a rapid boil over high heat.

3. Add Eggs Carefully:

- Reduce the heat to medium-low so that the water is at a gentle simmer.

- Carefully lower the eggs into the simmering water using a slotted spoon.

4. Control the Cooking Time:

- For a soft-boiled egg with a slightly runny yolk, cook the egg for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the size of the egg.

- For a slightly firmer yolk, cook the egg for an additional minute or two.

5. Remove and Place in Ice Water:

- Once the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness, immediately remove them from the hot water using a slotted spoon.

- Place the eggs directly into the bowl of ice water. This helps stop the cooking process and prevents overcooking.

6. Let the Egg Cool:

- Allow the eggs to cool for a few minutes in the ice water bath.

7. Peel the Eggs:

- Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently tap the shells on a hard surface to crack them.

- Peel the shells away carefully to reveal the perfectly cooked soft boiled egg.

8. Enjoy:

- Serve the soft boiled eggs immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for later consumption. You can sprinkle a bit of salt on top if desired.

Tips:

- To ensure the eggs are cooked evenly, choose eggs of similar size.

- If unsure of the doneness of the eggs, it's better to err on the side of caution and cook them for a shorter time rather than overcooking them.

- Soft boiled eggs are best served fresh, but you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked soft boiled eggs with toast, salad, or your favorite toppings.