Eggs
How to cook eggs
Simple beginner guide to cooking eggs, including boiled eggs, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, timing and common mistakes.
At a glance
Quick answer
For boiled eggs, lower them into simmering water and cook about 6 minutes for soft, 8 minutes for jammy or 10–12 minutes for firm. Fry gently for set whites, or scramble slowly over low heat and remove while still softly glossy.
Boiled eggs
Bring enough water to cover the eggs to a gentle boil. Lower eggs in with a spoon, begin timing and keep at a steady simmer. Transfer to cold water when done.
Fried eggs
Heat a little oil or butter over medium-low heat. Crack the egg into a cup, slide it into the pan and cook until the white is set. Cover briefly to set the top without burning underneath.
Scrambled eggs
Beat eggs with a pinch of salt. Melt butter over low heat, add eggs and fold slowly with a spatula. Remove from heat just before they look completely set; residual heat finishes them.
Hard-boiled egg timing
Ten minutes gives a firm yolk in many kitchens; 12 minutes is fully hard. Very large or fridge-cold eggs may need slightly longer.
Easy meals with eggs
Put a fried egg on potato hash, fold vegetables into a two-egg omelette, or add chopped boiled eggs to a jacket potato salad. Eggs make small portions easy to scale.
Common mistakes
Rapid boiling can crack shells. High heat makes fried and scrambled eggs rubbery. Use fresh, clean eggs and cook until both white and yolk are solid for pregnant people, babies, older adults or anyone with weakened immunity unless using eggs carrying the British Lion mark and following current NHS advice.
Recipes and guides to try next
Frequently asked questions
How long do hard-boiled eggs take?
About 10–12 minutes once lowered into simmering water.
Why are scrambled eggs watery?
Very high heat, overcooking or watery additions can make eggs weep. Cook gently and serve promptly.