The cooking time for boiling an egg depends on the desired doneness and the size of the egg. Here's a general guideline for boiling eggs:
Soft-boiled eggs (runny yolk):
- Small or medium-sized eggs: 4-5 minutes
- Large eggs: 5-6 minutes
- Extra-large eggs: 6-7 minutes
Medium-boiled eggs (partially set yolk):
- Small or medium-sized eggs: 6-7 minutes
- Large eggs: 7-8 minutes
- Extra-large eggs: 8-9 minutes
Hard-boiled eggs (fully set yolk):
- Small or medium-sized eggs: 9-10 minutes
- Large eggs: 10-12 minutes
- Extra-large eggs: 12-14 minutes
Keep in mind that these times are approximate, and factors such as the altitude, starting temperature of the eggs, and the type of cookware you use may affect the cooking time slightly. If you prefer a more precise approach, you can use an egg timer or kitchen timer to monitor the boiling time accurately. Additionally, once the eggs have finished boiling, it's a good idea to immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.