Cooking a soft boiled egg is a delicate art. The goal is to achieve a tender, creamy yolk surrounded by a firm, set white. But how long should you cook a soft boiled egg to achieve this ideal texture? The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of the egg and the desired level of doneness.
Generally speaking, a large egg will take about 6-7 minutes to cook to a soft boil, while a medium egg will take about 5-6 minutes. If you prefer a slightly runny yolk, you can cook the egg for a minute or two less. Conversely, if you want a firmer yolk, you can cook the egg for a minute or two longer.