Steaming Soft Eggs: The Perfect Technique For Beginners

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious treat, with a firm white and a silky, creamy yolk. They're a great addition to any meal, whether that's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The perfect soft-boiled egg should have a runny yolk and a just-set white. There are a few ways to cook soft-boiled eggs, but steaming is one of the most popular methods. It's a gentle way of cooking, resulting in evenly cooked eggs that are easy to peel. To steam soft-boiled eggs, you'll need a steamer basket or a pot with a lid. Fill the pot with water, just enough to reach the bottom of the steamer basket or about an inch of water if you're not using a basket. Bring the water to a boil, add your eggs, and set a timer for 4-6 minutes for a super runny yolk, or 6-8 minutes for a partially cooked, jammy yolk. Once the eggs are cooked, place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.

Use a steamer basket or bamboo steamer

Using a steamer basket or bamboo steamer is a great way to cook soft-boiled eggs. This method is not only foolproof and gentle but also makes the eggs much easier to peel. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly soft-steamed eggs using a steamer basket or bamboo steamer:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Firstly, gather your equipment and ingredients. You will need a pot with a steamer insert or a bamboo steamer, a heat source, water, and, of course, eggs.

Step 2: Prepare the Water and Steamer

Fill the pot with about one inch of water, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the steamer basket. If you're using a bamboo steamer, fill the pot with enough water so that it doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer when placed above the pot. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Cover the pot and wait for the water to come to a rolling boil. This will take just a few minutes, as you don't need to fill the entire pot with water. The steam created by the boiling water will cook your eggs quickly and evenly.

Step 4: Add the Eggs to the Steamer

Once the water is boiling, carefully place your eggs into the steamer basket or bamboo steamer. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid burning your fingertips. Place the lid back on the pot to trap the steam inside.

Step 5: Set the Timer and Steam the Eggs

For soft-boiled eggs with a runny yolk and fully set whites, set a timer for 6 minutes. If you prefer your yolks a little more cooked but still jammy, aim for 7-8 minutes. Remember that the exact timing will depend on various factors, including the size of your eggs, their starting temperature, and your altitude.

Step 6: Cool the Eggs

When the timer goes off, turn off the heat and use tongs to carefully transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run them under cold water until they are cool enough to handle. This step is crucial to stop the cooking process and ensure your eggs don't overcook.

Step 7: Peel and Enjoy

Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then carefully peel it away. Be gentle, as the inside of the egg will still be soft and liquid. Enjoy your perfectly soft-steamed eggs as-is or add them to your favourite dishes!

Achieve the perfect texture

Achieving the perfect texture for soft-steamed eggs is an art. Here are some tips to help you master it:

The Perfect Egg

For soft-steamed eggs, it is best to use fresh eggs. Fresh eggs result in a super yellow yolk and a bright egg white, making your dish aesthetically pleasing. Fresh eggs are also safer from a food safety perspective as there is less risk of bacterial growth. If you are making hard-boiled eggs, it is better to use older eggs as they are easier to peel.

The Perfect Ratio

The ideal egg-water ratio is essential for achieving the perfect texture. For Chinese steamed eggs, the ratio should be around 1:2 in volume. Too much egg will result in a hard curd, and too much water will prevent the mixture from solidifying. For example, for two medium-sized eggs (50ml each), you should add 100ml of water.

The Perfect Temperature

Warm water works best for Chinese steamed eggs. A temperature of around 45°C (113°F) is ideal. You can achieve this by mixing equal parts of boiling water and tap water.

The Perfect Consistency

To make the steamed eggs super smooth, it is important to remove any lumps and bubbles in the egg-water mixture before steaming. Use a sieve to filter the mixture as you pour it into your steaming bowl.

The Perfect Steam

If you are using a traditional bamboo steamer, the steam can escape from the lid. Otherwise, cover your bowls with cling film, piercing it a few times to let the steam escape. This prevents condensation from dripping onto the surface of the egg curd and creating an uneven texture.

The Perfect Timing

The steaming time will depend on various factors, including the size of your eggs, their starting temperature, and your altitude. As a guide, steam large eggs for 6 minutes for a soft-boiled egg with a liquid yolk and firm whites. For a super runny yolk, steam for 4-6 minutes, and for a partially cooked, jammy yolk, steam for 6-8 minutes.

The best type of water to use

The type of water you use when steaming eggs is important. Using water that is too hot or too cold can affect the cooking time and the texture of the eggs.

Firstly, always use fresh water when steaming eggs. Do not use water that has been previously boiled, as this can affect the cooking time.

The ideal water temperature for steaming eggs is around 45°C (113°F). This temperature helps the beaten egg and the water to combine properly. If you don't have a thermometer, a simple trick is to boil some water and then pour it into the same amount of tap water.

When steaming eggs, it is also important to ensure that the water level is correct. The water should be low enough so that it does not splash into the egg bowl, but high enough so that it does not dry out during the steaming process.

If you are using a traditional bamboo steamer, make sure that the steam can escape from the lid. This will help to prevent condensation from dripping onto the eggs and creating an uneven surface.

Using these tips, you can ensure that your steamed eggs turn out perfectly every time. Now, let's move on to the next step of steaming soft eggs.

How to avoid lumps and bubbles

To avoid lumps and bubbles in your steamed eggs, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, the ideal egg-water ratio is critical and should be around 1:2 in volume. For instance, if you use two beaten medium-sized eggs, which measure about 100ml, you will need to add 200ml of water.

Secondly, warm water is best for steamed eggs. A temperature of around 45°C (113°F) is ideal as it helps the beaten egg and water combine. You can achieve this by mixing equal parts boiling water and tap water.

Thirdly, to ensure a super smooth texture, remove any lumps and bubbles from the egg-water mixture before steaming. Use a sieve to filter the mixture as you pour it into your steaming bowl(s).

Finally, when it comes to the steaming process, you have two options. You can use a regular steamer, or you can use an ordinary pot that is wide enough to place your bowl(s) in. Make sure the water level is just right: low enough so that it doesn't splash into the egg bowl, but high enough to complete the steaming process without drying out the pot.

How to serve soft-steamed eggs

Soft-steamed eggs are a delight, with their firm whites and silky, creamy yolks. They are incredibly versatile and can be served at any time of the day. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Breakfast

Soft-steamed eggs are a great way to elevate your breakfast. Serve them with toast, allowing the runny yolk to act as a delicious spread. For a more indulgent option, try dipping your toast fingers into the egg yolk.

Salads and Soups

Add a soft-steamed egg to your salad or soup for a protein boost. The warm, creamy yolk will create a rich sauce for your salad, while the firm whites can be chopped up and mixed through. For a heartier meal, try a warm salad or soup bowl with noodles or rice, vegetables, and a soft-steamed egg on top.

Ramen

Ramen and soft-steamed eggs are a match made in heaven. The runny yolk will mix through the broth, creating a rich and creamy texture. For an extra special touch, garnish with some chopped spring onions and a dash of soy sauce.

Snacks

Soft-steamed eggs also make a great snack on their own. They can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. For a fancier presentation, serve them in egg cups with a small spoon, allowing the diner to scoop out the egg from the shell.

Other Ideas

• Hummus breakfast bowls
• Sesame noodles with wilted spinach
• Chorizo breakfast hash
• Sun-dried tomato, kale, and white bean skillet
• Roasted vegetable couscous

With their versatility and convenience, soft-steamed eggs are a fantastic addition to any meal. So, get creative and enjoy the silky, creamy goodness!

Frequently asked questions