Jammy Eggs (Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs)

These jammy eggs are the perfect addition to any meal! I love putting them on toast, adding them to a salad, or snacking on them on their own with a little salt and pepper.  I think they're so much better than regular hard-boiled eggs. I mean, it's tough to beat with a soft and custardy yolk surrounded by a firm but tender egg white. If you've made my Cajun Egg Boil or Soft Scrambled Eggs, then you already know I'm a pro at cooking eggs, and these soft-boiled ones won't disappoint.

Why You'll Love These Soft Boiled Eggs

I’ve been a little obsessed with soft-boiled eggs lately, and it’s because they hit that perfect middle ground between a runny egg and a hard-boiled one. I like mine with a tender, just-set white and a yolk that’s rich, creamy, and “jammy” in the center,  not liquid, not chalky, so I’ve been playing around with different methods to nail that texture every time.

After a lot of trial and error, I’ve landed on a method that’s incredibly reliable... steaming instead of boiling. Steaming brings the eggs up to temperature more gently and evenly, which means fewer weird overcooked rings, fewer undercooked centers, and way more consistency from batch to batch. With this technique, you get that jammy yolk that’s thick and glossy, not runny, and not crumbly, just the right amount of scoopable creaminess.

I also love how versatile these jammy eggs are. You can slice them over avocado toast, tuck them into a grain bowl, nestle them into ramen or noodle soups, add them to salads, serve them alongside steak, or just eat them with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and maybe a drizzle of chili oil for a quick, protein-packed snack or breakfast. Once you know exactly how to get that perfect jammy center, you’ll find yourself making these on repeat for all kinds of meals.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

How To Make Jammy Eggs

Step 1: Steam the Eggs

First, bring 1 inch of water to a rolling boil in a covered pot. Once boiling, carefully lower the eggs into the water one at a time using a spoon. Immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.

Step 2: Set the Timer

Once all the eggs are in the water, set a timer for exactly 7 minutes and 30 seconds. I've found that this is the time that makes the eggs develop that perfect jammy yolk.

Step 3: Transfer to an Ice Bath

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a medium bowl with cold water and ice cubes.

As soon as the timer goes off, use a spoon to carefully remove the eggs from the pot and place them in the ice bath. Let the eggs chill in the cold water for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Peel and Serve

After the eggs have cooled, gently crack them all over and peel the shells off.  Finally, serve the eggs warm or cold, seasoned with salt and pepper. 

Expert Tips For Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs

• Steam, don’t boil: Steaming the eggs instead of fully submerging them in water helps the whites set perfectly without overcooking the yolk. This method makes it easier to control the consistency of the eggs and gives the yolk that slightly runny texture.
• Start with hot steam, not cold water: Bring the water to a simmer first, then carefully lower the eggs into the steamer basket. Starting them in already-steaming water makes the timing more reliable, so a 7½-minute egg today will match a 7½-minute egg next week.
• Simmer on low heat: Once you’ve added the eggs to the pot, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. A rolling boil will crack the shells or cause uneven cooking, so make sure you turn the temperature down!
• Peel the eggs underwater: If you’re struggling to peel the eggs, try peeling them under running water or in a bowl of water. This can help loosen the shell and make the peeling process smoother. 
• Don’t overcook the eggs: Timing is everything with jammy eggs. Stick to the 7-minute and 30-second mark to get that perfect soft yolk. If you prefer a slightly firmer yolk, add 30 more seconds, but no more.
• Use slightly older eggs for easier peeling: If possible, use eggs that are a few days old rather than farm-fresh. Very fresh eggs cling tighter to the shell and are harder to peel cleanly. Older eggs naturally release from the shell more easily.
• Use similar-size eggs: Egg size changes cook time. Large eggs are the baseline for most jammy egg timing. If you’re using extra-large or very small eggs, you may need to adjust by 15–30 seconds. For the most consistent results, use eggs from the same carton.

Jammy Eggs FAQS

How long do jammy eggs last?

Jammy eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the best texture, keep them in an airtight container. If you’ve already peeled them, store them in a container with a lid so they don’t dry out. If you know you’ll be storing them for a couple of days, it’s often easier to leave them unpeeled and peel right before serving.

Can I make jammy eggs in the air fryer?

You can cook jammy eggs in the air fryer, but it’s less precise than steaming. Every air fryer runs a bit differently. As a starting point, you can try placing cold eggs in the basket, cooking at 270–275°F for about 9–11 minutes, then plunging them into an ice bath to stop the cooking. That said, for the most consistent “jammy” center and tender whites, steaming or using the stovetop method is still the most reliable approach.

Can I make jammy eggs ahead of time?

Yes, jammy eggs are great for meal prep. You can steam a batch, chill them in an ice bath, then store them in the fridge to use over the next few days. Keep them whole and in their shells if you can—that helps preserve the texture. Then peel and slice as needed for breakfasts, salads, or bowls.

What’s the best way to reheat jammy eggs?

Jammy eggs are usually best served cold or at room temperature, especially on salads, toast, or bowls. If you prefer them slightly warm, you can place them (in the shell) in a bowl of warm—not hot—water for a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can overcook the yolk and turn it rubbery.

Do I need to use large eggs for this recipe?

Most jammy egg timing is based on large eggs. If you use medium or extra-large eggs, you may need to subtract or add 30–60 seconds to the steam time to hit that perfect jammy center. For the most consistent results, use eggs that are all the same size from the same carton.

What can I serve with jammy eggs?

As I've mentioned a few times, jammy eggs are incredibly versatile. Serve them on avocado toast, in a house salad, with this breakfast casserole, alongside these waffles, or with some breakfast sausage.