How many minutes does it take to soft boil an egg?

The time it takes to soft boil an egg can vary slightly depending on personal preference and the size of the egg. Generally, for large eggs:

• 3-5 minutes: Results in a liquid yolk with soft, not fully set whites12.
• 6 minutes: Produces a liquid yolk with fully set whites13.
• 6½ minutes: Achieves a just-set white and a warm, jammy yolk4.
• 8 minutes: Yields a soft-boiled egg with fully set whites and a slightly firmer yolk3.

For smaller or larger eggs, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.