How to boil the perfect egg?

[silverfox]

Egg in pan of cold water, bring to boil, then time for three minutes?

Egg in pan of cold water, bring to boil, then time for four minutes?

Place egg in pan of boiling water for three minutes?

Place egg in pan of boiling water for four minutes?

Place egg in pan of boiling water. Switch off heat and let egg stand in hot water for five minutes?

Assume medium-sized free range egg, straight from tray/carton, not fridge, firm white of egg with soft yolk ideal for dipping toast soldiers.

[katie1997]

I would go for method 2 with the egg being an exact consistency of slightly squidgy, so not too hard and not too runny!

Or use a rice cooker :D

[silverfox]

Hadn't thought of a rice cooker, or even a steamer. You might be on to something there katie1997.

[HAL9000]

Silverfox: you forgot to add that a domestic chicken should have laid the egg and that it should be cooked on earth, in fresh water under standard temperature and pressure by anyone other than Ladymuck or Tarot.

[computedshorty]

Place in pressure cooker boil until it explodes.

Seperate shell eat fragments with Chopsticks.

[cate]

I sometimes do put egg in cold water, bring to boil and then take off heat and let stand for 7 minutes.

Or I do bring to boil from cold and then let boil for 3 minutes.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

method one - works everytime. must dash - have soldiers to butter.

[Applespider]

Buy one of those magic egg timers that change colour. It truly is magic and my eggs have been perfect every time with it...

[HonaloochieB]

Poundland in Brixton has the above-mentioned timers.

I'll get back to you with a costing.

[david_carnell]

I tend to cook eggs from the fridge so not helpful here.

Lowered gently into boiling water so the shell doesn't crack and cooked for 5-6mins according to size of egg.

I find trying to boil from cold leaves too much room for error given the time taken to boil the water varying on different pans and when is boiling or when is beginning to bubble etc etc

[nashoi]

Depends on your altitide. At sea level 4 1/2 mins in boiling water.

[Narnia]

Should this not be 'how to boil an egg perfectly'? If not, what is a 'perfect egg'?

[csaddleton]

my mum taught me a good trick, when you think it's been 4 mins take it out and hold away from the pan if the water evaporates immediately it's done if slow evaporation it needs more time....