Updated 31 July 2026 · Written by MKB Team
To boil eggs perfectly, place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and time them: about 6 minutes for soft, 8 for medium and 10 to 12 for hard-boiled. Transfer to ice water immediately to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
Simmer from a boil: 6 min soft, 8 min medium, 10 to 12 min hard. Then plunge into ice water. Older eggs peel easier.
The Method
- Place eggs in a single layer and cover with an inch of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer to stop the eggs cracking.
- Time from the simmer: 6 minutes soft, 8 medium, 10 to 12 hard.
- Move eggs straight to ice water for a few minutes to halt cooking.
Tips for Easy Peeling
Slightly older eggs peel more easily than very fresh ones, and the ice bath helps the shell separate from the white. Peel under running water or in the bowl of ice water. A green ring around the yolk means the eggs were overcooked, so stick to the times. Simmer them gently in a good saucepan, and see how long eggs last in the fridge.
Egg Boiling Times
| Result | Simmer time |
|---|---|
| Soft-boiled | 6 minutes |
| Medium | 8 minutes |
| Hard-boiled | 10 to 12 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you boil eggs for hard-boiled?
Simmer them for 10 to 12 minutes from a boil, then cool in ice water. Any longer risks a green ring around the yolk.
Why won’t my boiled eggs peel?
Very fresh eggs are harder to peel. Use slightly older eggs and cool them quickly in ice water, which helps the shell separate from the white.
