Boiling eggs starting from cold water typically takes about 9 to 12 minutes depending on the desired level of doneness. Here are more precise times based on boiling eggs from cold water:
- Medium boiled (firmer white, slightly set yolk): about 7 to 9 minutes after water starts boiling.
- Hard boiled (fully set yolk and white): about 10 to 12 minutes after water boils.
Process from cold water:
- Place eggs in a single layer in a pot.
- Cover with cold water about 1 cm (or more) above eggs.
- Heat on medium-high and bring water to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a simmer and time based on desired doneness.
- Remove eggs and cool in cold water to stop cooking.
Soft boiled eggs from cold water can be around 6 to 7 minutes once the water boils but precise timing varies by egg size and stove. So from cold water start, expect about 7 minutes for soft-boiled, and up to 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.