Introduction
Boiling eggs is a simple task, but it can be challenging to get them just right. Whether you prefer your eggs soft, medium or hard-boiled, knowing when they are cooked to perfection can be tricky. Peeling an egg only to find it’s still runny inside can be disappointing. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at different methods used to determine when an egg is done boiling.
Focusing on the Traditional Method
One of the most common methods of determining egg doneness is by timing it. Cooking eggs for different lengths of time produces varying levels of hardness. To make a soft-boiled egg, cook it for three to four minutes, a medium-boiled egg requires five to seven minutes, while a hard-boiled egg takes ten to twelve minutes.
It’s crucial to adjust these times based on your preferences or altitude. For example, if you live at a high altitude, you may need to extend the cooking time by one minute to achieve the correct hardness level. And if you like your boiled eggs with a slightly runny yolk, cook them for a shorter time. It’s essential to remember that smaller eggs will cook faster than larger eggs too.
The Level of Hardness Test
Another method to determine egg doneness is the level of hardness test. The technique involves measuring the firmness of the egg’s yolk and white. A soft-boiled egg should have a runny yolk and a barely set white, while a medium-boiled egg has a slightly runny yolk and firmer white. A hard-boiled egg has a fully cooked yolk and a firm white.
To check the level of hardness, remove the egg from the boiling water and gently press the yolk with your spoon. If the yolk feels soft and offers little resistance, it’s soft-boiled. If the yolk is slightly firm but still gives way, it’s medium-boiled. And, if the yolk is firm, it’s hard-boiled.
The Spinning Egg Method
Another method to check egg doneness is the spinning egg technique. After boiling the egg, allow it to cool before gently spinning it like a top. A cooked egg will spin evenly and produce no wobbling, whereas an undercooked egg will wobble.
The Observation Technique
The observation technique requires close monitoring of the egg while it boils. Look for signs such as the white gradually becoming opaque, and the yolk gradually changing color. Once you observe the desired doneness level has been reached, remove it from the heat.
Temperature Test
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method for checking the internal temperature of boiled eggs. For a soft-boiled egg, the temperature should be between 144-149°F (62-65°C), whereas for a medium-boiled egg, it should be between 150-154°F (65-68°C). For hard-boiled eggs, the temperature should read between 155-158°F (68-70°C).
The Floating Egg Method
The floating egg method involves submerging the cooked egg in cold water. If the egg sinks to the bottom of the pot and lies horizontally, it’s fresh. If the egg stands up on one end but sinks to the bottom, it’s considered soft-boiled. A slightly older egg, which stands upright on one end, is considered medium-boiled, while a fully cooked egg will float to the top.
Conclusion
Determining when an egg is done boiling correctly requires a little bit of effort and knowledge of the above techniques. If you prefer yolks that are soft or hard, or even somewhere in between, there is a method that will work for you. Experiment with different techniques until you find what works best, but keep in mind the various factors that can affect the outcome. In no time, you’ll be boiling perfect eggs every time.
