Boiled Egg
A simple boiled egg is one of the easiest protein-rich staples to keep on hand. Cooked until just set or fully firm, it works for breakfast, snacks, salads, and light Indian meals.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Place the eggs in a saucepan.
Arrange the eggs in a single layer and pour in the water so they are covered by about 1 inch.
- boil · ~5 min
Bring the water to a boil.
Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
- simmer · ~8 min
Cook the eggs until set.
Once boiling, lower the heat slightly and cook for 8 minutes for firm yolks and fully set whites.
TIPAvoid a very harsh boil, which can crack the shells. - rest · ~2 min
Cool the eggs briefly.
Take the pan off the heat and transfer the eggs to cool water for 2 minutes to stop the cooking and make peeling easier.
- serve
Peel and serve the boiled eggs.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Keep the eggs in a single layer so they cook evenly and are less likely to bump and crack.
- 2Start timing the 8 minutes only after the water reaches a rolling boil, not when the pan goes on the heat.
- 3Lower the heat once boiling; a gentler boil helps prevent cracked shells and rubbery whites.
- 4Cool the eggs in water right after cooking to stop carryover heat and avoid a grey ring around the yolk.
- 5For easier peeling, crack the shell all over gently and peel under running water.
- 6Boiled eggs keep well in the fridge for a few days; store unpeeled so they stay fresher and don't dry out.
Adapt it for your goals.
Soft-boiled
Cook for a shorter time if you want jammy yolks for toast, ramen, or grain bowls.
masala boiled eggMasala-boiled-egg
Peel and toss with salt, red chilli powder, black pepper, and chaat masala for a quick Indian snack.
egg salad prepEgg-salad-prep
Boil a batch ahead, chill, then chop into salads or sandwiches for fast meal prep.
protein breakfastProtein-breakfast
Serve the eggs with toast, fruit, or poha for a simple, filling breakfast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Naturally High in Protein
Eggs provide complete protein, making this simple dish useful for a filling breakfast, snack, or light meal.
Minimal Ingredient Dish
Made with just eggs and water, this preparation avoids added sugar and heavy sauces.
Nutrient-Dense Choice
Eggs contain important nutrients like choline and several vitamins and minerals in a compact serving.
Frequently asked questions
A very harsh boil or eggs knocking against each other can crack the shells. Keep them in a single layer and reduce the heat slightly once boiling.
