The Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg Technique
How to Boil Soft-Boiled Eggs: The Ultimate Guide to Making Them Even Tastier Than ‘Gam-dolan’!
Discover the secrets to achieving perfectly soft-boiled eggs that melt in your mouth. Mastering this simple technique allows you to create eggs that rival the popular ‘Gam-dolan’ (emotional eggs) right in your own kitchen. These delicious soft-boiled eggs are not only wonderful on their own but also serve as a fantastic base for dishes like Scotch eggs or flavorful soy-marinated eggs.
Ingredients- Fresh eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by filling a pot with enough water to fully submerge the eggs. Ensure there’s ample space for the eggs to move freely, which will help them cook evenly.
Step 2
Gently place the eggs into the pot. To prevent the shells from cracking during boiling and to make peeling easier later, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt to the water. Start boiling over high heat.
Step 3
It’s crucial to start boiling the eggs in cold water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for precisely 3 to 4 minutes for a truly runny yolk. If you prefer a firmer, yet still soft, yolk similar to ‘Gam-dolan’ (about half-set), boil for approximately 5 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
Step 4
The eggs, particularly the yolks, will be very soft and delicate immediately after boiling. To avoid a messy peeling process, it’s essential to cool them down completely in cold water.
Step 5
The residual heat from cooking can continue to cook the eggs even after they are removed from the heat. To halt this process effectively, rapidly cool the eggs. Rinse them under cold running water or prepare an ice bath and submerge the eggs until thoroughly chilled.
Step 6
Now for the peeling. Soft-boiled eggshells are quite fragile, so avoid tapping them too hard! Instead, use the back of a spoon to gently tap the shell all around the egg, creating a network of fine cracks. Think of it as creating a delicate lattice on the shell.
Step 7
Gently roll the egg in your hand or against a surface to ensure cracks form all over the shell. This technique significantly aids in easy peeling.
Step 8
With the shell cracked, carefully peel it away without squeezing the egg too tightly. Gently slide the shell off, being mindful to also remove the thin membrane underneath. Voilà – your perfect soft-boiled egg is ready!
Step 9
While these soft-boiled eggs are delicious enjoyed as is, I personally love turning them into a savory soy-marinated egg dish. A separate recipe for that is available if you’re interested – check it out! 🙂
