How to Make Perfect Soft-Cooked Eggs

Soft-cooked eggs, also known as "egg mayones" or simply "soft-boiled eggs," have been a favorite breakfast treat for many years. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a nutritious and delicious start to the day without any of the fuss associated with complex meals.

The process of cooking soft-cooked eggs can be quite simple, but there are some tricks that make all the difference. To ensure you get the best results possible, follow these steps carefully.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• Salt (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

For this recipe, we will be cooking 6 soft-cooked eggs. This yields a perfect serving for two people, making it ideal for breakfast or brunch.

Cooking Time and Servings

The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes (including preparation time), and the yield is 6 soft-cooked eggs.

Steps to Prepare Soft-Cooked Eggs

1. Preheat Water: Fill a large saucepan or pot with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add Salt (Optional): If you prefer, add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for better flavor.
3. Egg Preparation: Crack each egg into its own small bowl or ramekin to check for any cracks. This step helps avoid broken eggs while they are being cooked and later served.
4. Poach Eggs: Once the water has reached a rolling boil, gently lower six whole eggs into the pot using a slotted spoon. Reduce heat so that the water simmeres just below boiling point.
5. Cooking Time: Let the eggs simmer for about 3-4 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness (yolk should be runny but not fully cooked).
6. Shocking Step: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked eggs to ice water to stop the cooking process immediately. This prevents further cooking and helps achieve that perfect texture.
7. Dry Eggs: Once cooled slightly, gently peel off the shell from each egg. Make sure not to rush this step as it can be delicate when handling eggs with runny yolks.
8. Seasoning (Optional): After peeling, season your soft-cooked eggs with freshly ground black pepper and a dash of salt if desired for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Soft-Cooked Eggs

To make sure you get the best results, here are some additional tips:

• Ensure that your water is at a rolling boil before adding eggs to avoid breaking them upon contact with hot water.
• The time may vary slightly depending on how soft or hard you like your yolk. You can adjust accordingly by increasing or decreasing the cooking time.
• For best results, use fresh, room-temperature eggs as they cook more evenly than cold ones.

Serving Suggestions

There are numerous ways to serve soft-cooked eggs:

• Egg Mayo: Spread the yolk onto slices of bread or toast and top with a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
• Lovage and Cheese Salad: Chop parsley and chives finely, mix them with the yolks, add crumbled feta cheese and season lightly. Serve on slices of whole-grain bread or bagels.
• Egg Salad Sandwich: Mash the soft-cooked eggs in a bowl, then mix with chopped celery, red onion, and mayonnaise to taste. Serve on slices of rye or white bread for an easy lunch option.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the peeled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for up to five days after peeling.

Soft-cooked eggs are not only great as a breakfast item but also excellent when paired with other dishes. They add creaminess and rich flavor to various meals and snacks. Experimenting with different seasonings or adding vegetables can transform these simple eggs into something truly special. Enjoy creating and enjoying your perfect soft-cooked eggs!