| Doneness | Time (gentle boil) | Yolk |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 6–7 min | Runny, jammy |
| Medium | 9–10 min | Just set, moist |
| Hard | 11–12 min | Fully firm |
| Every time | Boiling start, ice-water finish | Steady timing, easy peel |
How to Boil Eggs
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Lower eggs into already-boiling water, cook at a gentle boil, and time it — about 6–7 minutes for a runny yolk, 9–10 for just-set, 11–12 for hard — then plunge them into ice water. Starting in hot water and shocking them cold gives reliable timing and shells that peel cleanly.