To know when an egg is boiled and whether it is soft-boiled or hard-boiled, you can use several reliable methods:

Timing Method

• Soft-boiled eggs typically take about 4-6 minutes of boiling.
• Medium-boiled eggs take around 7-8 minutes.
• Hard-boiled eggs require 9-12 minutes of boiling, depending on egg size and altitude.
• After boiling, immediately place eggs in an ice bath to stop cooking and prevent a greenish ring around the yolk

Physical Tests (Without Cracking)

• Spin Test: Place the egg on a flat surface and spin it. A hard-boiled egg spins easily and steadily, while a raw egg wobbles and spins unevenly due to liquid inside

• Shake Test: Hold the egg and shake it gently. A cooked egg feels solid like a rock, whereas a raw or partially cooked egg feels like liquid is moving inside

• Flashlight Test (for white eggs): Shine a flashlight through the egg. A raw or partially cooked egg will light up and appear red or translucent, while a fully cooked egg will not let light pass through easily

Visual Inspection (After Peeling)

• Peel the egg and cut it in half.
• A soft-boiled egg has a slightly runny yolk.
• A hard-boiled egg has a fully set, solid yolk

Using a timer during boiling is the most straightforward and reliable way to ensure eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. The physical tests help distinguish boiled eggs from raw ones without cracking the shell