How Long to Cook Soft Boiled Eggs
Eggs with a set white and a runny, jammy yolk.
The Short Answer
On the stove, soft boiled eggs takes 6–7 minutes. Scroll down for all cooking methods, detailed instructions, and tips from the Professor.
Cooking Methods
🍳 Stovetop
Time: 6–7 minutes
Bring water to a boil. Gently lower eggs in. 6 minutes for very runny, 7 minutes for jammy. Transfer to ice bath immediately for 2 minutes.
The difference between a perfect jammy egg and a hard yolk is about 60 seconds. Set a timer. The ice bath is not optional; it stops the cooking instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A soft-boiled egg cooked for 6.5-7 minutes. The white is fully set but the yolk is thick, creamy, and slightly gooey in the center. Popular on ramen and toast.
The Bottom Line
Soft Boiled Eggs is straightforward to cook when you know the time and temperature. Use the method that fits your equipment and schedule, and always let the food rest before cutting or serving. Resting allows juices to redistribute and carryover cooking to finish the job.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology