6 mins
Boiled Egg
Recipe by Graham
There are two or three acceptable methods of boiling an egg. Whilst we accept it is hardly a "recipe" many people who are new to cooking still find it a challenging mystery! Once you can boil an egg to suit your particular tastes, it's easy to move on to other recipes
Boeuf à la Bourguignone 
Boiled Rice Ingredients for Boiled Egg
Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements
How to Cook Boiled Egg
- There are two or three acceptable methods of boiling an egg. The following is the most reliable way...
- Put about 2" - 3" (5cm - 7½cm) of water in a pan. Bring the water towards the boil. Once the water just begins to bubble, gently lower your egg(s) into the water on a spoon. Bring the water up to boiling point and continue to boil, cooking for exactly five minutes from the moment you placed your eggs in the water. Remove the eggs from the pan and devour immediately (or gently crack one end to prevent further cooking inside the shell).
- This method will provide you with an egg that has a soft yolk and a firm white. If you prefer your eggs softer or harder, you can decrease or increase the cooking time to suit your personal tastes. Always be sure that there is sufficient water in the pan to cover the eggs while they are cooking.
- An alternative method is to place your eggs in a pan and cover with cold water by about ½" (1cm). Place over a high heat and as soon as the water is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Naturally, you should serve with fingers of buttered toast!
- VARIATIONS: To turn a soft-boiled egg into a hard-boiled egg (for sandwiches or salads), cook for 2-3 minutes longer (seven or eight minutes instead of five). Once cooked, remove the shell. This is best done by immersing the egg in cold water to quickly cool it, then roll it gently in the palms of your hands to crack the shell. This can then be carefully peeled away (and the job is made easier if you keep the egg or your hands wet).
- Hard-boiled eggs can be stored (with the shells still on) in a refrigerator for 4 or 5 days (but do not try to freeze them). If, for any reason, your boiled eggs get mixed up with your fresh eggs, you can tell the difference using the 'Graham Spin Test'! Place the egg on a flat surface and spin it. If is spins and slows down evenly, it is hard-boiled. If it spins and slows down erratically, it has not been cooked.
GRAHAM'S HOT TIP:
To avoid the shell cracking when you put an egg in hot water, remove it from the fridge a little while before using to allow it to approach room temperature.
When boiling an egg, lower it gently into the pan using a spoon, just before the water actually boils. By adding a little vinegar to the water prior to putting the eggs in the pan, you will avoid any egg leaking out in the event that the shell is slightly cracked.
Reviews of Boiled Egg
| August 12 2014 Nice to know there are still places where beginners can learn the essentials. Well done! Geoff (6 reviews) |
What To Eat Tonight
That moment when you decide to invite friends, relatives or you boss and partner to dinner and you know you need to turn up the originality.
You need something quick or light or both. What do you do? You turn to our choice of snacks and light meals and select the one you like.
Having a gang of friends in , or the whole extended family? Need a recipe that's easy to 'extend' to accommodate a bigger group? No problem!
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