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**4. Timing for Soft-Boiled Eggs**
For soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks and firm whites, cook for about **4 to 5 minutes**. This creates a slightly set white and a luscious, runny yolk inside. For a perfect balance, set a timer so the eggs are cooked exactly to your preference.
**5. Timing for Hard-Boiled Eggs**
For hard-boiled eggs with a fully set yolk, cook the eggs for **9 to 12 minutes**, depending on how firm you like your yolks. A 9-minute cook time results in a creamy yolk with a slightly soft center, while a 12-minute cook time ensures that the yolk is completely set.
**6. Ice Bath to Stop Cooking**
Once your eggs are cooked to your desired consistency, remove them from the hot water immediately using a slotted spoon and transfer them into an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and water). This helps stop the cooking process instantly, ensuring your eggs don’t become overcooked.
**7. Peel and Serve**
After the eggs have cooled for a few minutes, gently tap them on the counter to crack the shell and peel. If you want to make peeling easier, add a pinch of salt to the water before boiling, as this can help loosen the shell.
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### Tips for Perfect Eggs Every Time
– **Start with Room Temperature Eggs**: If possible, let your eggs come to room temperature before cooking. This reduces the chances of cracking when they hit the hot water.
– **Use Fresh Eggs**: Fresher eggs are often harder to peel, so if you’re planning to make hard-boiled eggs and want easy peeling, use eggs that are at least a week old.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot**: Make sure the eggs are in a single layer and not overcrowded. If you need to cook more eggs, do it in batches to ensure even cooking.
– **Use a Timer**: The most critical part of this method is timing. For precise results, always use a timer to get consistent cooking times and avoid the guesswork.
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### Why Hot Water Cooking Is Better
Using hot water to cook eggs gives you control over the cooking process and results in perfectly cooked eggs each time. This method minimizes the risk of rubbery egg whites and runny yolks (unless you want them runny!). It also helps you avoid the problem of overcooking, which can cause that greenish ring to form around the yolk of hard-boiled eggs.
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### Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of cooking eggs is a skill everyone should have in their kitchen arsenal. By starting with hot water, you’re setting yourself up for perfectly cooked eggs, whether you like them soft or hard-boiled. Next time you’re in the mood for eggs, use this simple method and impress your friends and family with your egg-cooking expertise.
Whether on salads, sandwiches, or as a snack, perfectly cooked eggs make every dish more delicious!
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