Half Boiled Egg
A quintessential comfort food, the half-boiled egg is a simple delicacy featuring a perfectly set, tender white encasing a warm, liquid gold yolk. It's a quick, high-protein breakfast or snack, traditionally seasoned with salt and pepper and served with toast for dipping.
For 2 servings
3 steps. 6 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil the Water
- b.Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch (about 4 cups).
- c.Place the saucepan on high heat and bring the water to a full, rolling boil.
- d.While the water is heating, prepare a bowl of ice water for the ice bath later.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Eggs
- b.Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the eggs into the water one by one using a slotted spoon.
- c.Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady, gentle boil (this prevents the eggs from cracking).
- d.Set a timer immediately. For a very runny yolk, cook for 5 minutes. For a classic 'jammy' but still runny yolk, cook for 6 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shock and Serve
- b.As soon as the timer goes off, use the slotted spoon to immediately transfer the eggs from the boiling water to the prepared ice water bath.
- c.Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial as it instantly stops the cooking process and preserves the perfect yolk consistency.
- d.To serve, place an egg in an egg cup. Gently tap the top with a spoon to crack it, then peel away the top part of the shell.
- e.Alternatively, crack the eggs into a small bowl.
- f.Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately with toast soldiers for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For consistent results, always start with boiling water rather than cold water. This makes the timing more precise.
- 2Using room temperature eggs reduces the chance of them cracking when they hit the hot water.
- 3The ice bath is not optional! It's the secret to preventing overcooking and achieving that perfect runny yolk.
- 4A tiny pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar in the boiling water can help the egg white coagulate faster if an egg does crack.
Adapt it for your goals.
Kopitiam Style
A classic in Singapore and Malaysia. Crack two eggs into a bowl, add a dash of dark soy sauce and a sprinkle of white pepper. Stir gently and enjoy with kaya toast.
Dippy Eggs and SoldiersDippy Eggs and Soldiers
The British classic. Serve the eggs in egg cups and provide strips of buttered toast (called 'soldiers') for dipping into the runny yolk.
Ramen Topping (Ajitsuke Tamago style)Ramen Topping (Ajitsuke Tamago style)
For a firmer, jammy yolk, cook for 7 minutes. After the ice bath, peel the eggs and marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and water for a few hours before adding to ramen.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs provide high-quality protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. A single large egg contains about 6 grams of protein.
Rich in Choline for Brain Health
Egg yolks are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient crucial for brain development, memory, and nerve function.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin D for bone health, Vitamin B12 for energy production, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, half-boiled eggs are very healthy. They are an excellent source of high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins like D, B12, and A, and minerals like selenium and choline, which is vital for brain health.