How to Make Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs (Hanjuku Tamago)

Steps

1. To a saucepan, add enough water to cover the eggs by 1 inch, 2.5 cm (you will add the eggs later). Bring the water to a rolling boil on medium high heat.

2. Once the water is boiling, take out 4 large eggs (50 g w/o shell) from the refrigerator. Using a slotted spoon, gently put the cold eggs into the boiling water.

3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the eggs for 6½ to 7 minutes (set a timer). To keep the yolks in the center of the boiled eggs, gently rotate the eggs with chopsticks once in a while for the first 3 minutes. Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and starting temperature of the eggs. If you prefer runnier yolks, cook for 1 minute less.

4. Prepare a bowl of iced water by adding ice cubes to water. After 6½ or 7 minutes, drain the boiling water and shock the eggs in the iced water for 3 minutes. Gently peel the egg shell. Your Hanjuku Tamago is now ready to enjoy.

5. Cut the eggs in half with a sharp knife, cheese cutter, fishing line, or string and serve. You can enjoy them as a snack sprinkled with furikake (rice seasoning) and shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice). Tuck them into your bento or add as a topping to your ramen, udon, and Japanese curry rice. You also can use these soft-boiled eggs to make seasoned Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago).

6. Store the soft-boiled eggs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Do not freeze as the texture of the eggs will change when frozen.