Jammy Soft-Boiled Eggs
Master the art of perfectly jammy soft-boiled eggs, featuring a creamy, golden yolk and tender whites. Ideal for meal prepping, these versatile eggs are excellent on toast, salads, or as a ramen topping.
For 6 servings
Prepare an ice bath: Fill a medium bowl with cold water and plenty of ice cubes. Set aside.
Bring water to a rolling boil: In a medium saucepan, bring about 8 cups of water (enough to fully submerge the eggs) to a vigorous rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt if desired, which can help prevent cracking and make peeling easier.
Gently add eggs and set timer: Using a slotted spoon or spider, carefully lower the eggs one by one into the boiling water. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a strong simmer/gentle boil. Immediately set a timer for exactly 7 minutes for perfectly jammy yolks.
Transfer to ice bath: As soon as the timer goes off, use the slotted spoon to quickly transfer the eggs from the hot water directly into the prepared ice bath. Let them sit in the ice water for at least 5 minutes, or until completely cool to the touch. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
Peel carefully: Once cooled, gently tap the wider end of each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. Then, roll the egg between your palms to create more cracks. Peel the eggs under a slow stream of cold water or while submerged in the ice bath; the water helps to separate the membrane from the egg white.
Serve or store: Enjoy immediately as a topping or snack. For meal prep, store peeled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use older eggs: Eggs that are a week or two old tend to peel more easily than very fresh eggs due to changes in their pH level.
- 2Peel under water: Peeling eggs under running cold water or while submerged in a bowl of water helps the shell slide off more smoothly, reducing the chances of tearing the delicate whites.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pot: Cook eggs in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly and the water temperature doesn't drop too significantly when they are added.
- 4Adjust cooking time: For a slightly runnier, more liquid yolk, try 6 minutes. For a firmer, custard-like yolk that's still soft, go for 8 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Marinated Eggs (Ajitama)
After peeling, marinate the eggs in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and water (and optional garlic/ginger) for a few hours or overnight for a savory, umami-rich flavor, perfect for ramen bowls.
Deviled Eggs TwistDeviled Eggs Twist
Halve the jammy eggs, scoop out the yolks, mix with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and seasonings, then pipe the creamy mixture back into the whites for a gourmet twist on classic deviled eggs.
Spice InfusedSpice Infused
Add a few slices of fresh ginger, garlic cloves, or a dash of black peppercorns to the boiling water for a subtle aromatic infusion to the eggs as they cook.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making them excellent for satiety.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
They are packed with vital nutrients including vitamins D, B12, selenium, and choline, which is crucial for brain health, nerve function, and metabolism.
Eye Health Support
Eggs contain powerful antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which accumulate in the retina and are beneficial for eye health, helping to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Frequently asked questions
Adding a pinch of salt to the water can help, and ensuring the eggs are at room temperature before cooking can also reduce the risk of cracking due to sudden temperature changes. Gently lowering them into the water with a slotted spoon is also key.
