Soft boiled eggs can sometimes be tricky to get just right. The whites should be set, and the yolks ideally soft and jammy. Traditional boiling methods can leave us guessing, but sous vide offers a foolproof way to ensure perfectly cooked eggs every time. Let’s explore how we can easily master sous vide soft boiled eggs at home, and trust us, once you try it, you’ll never look back!
What is Sous Vide?
Sous vide refers to a cooking technique where food is sealed in a vacuum bag and immersed in a water bath kept at a consistent, precise temperature. This technique ensures that food is cooked evenly and retains moisture and flavor, making it popular for delicate items like eggs, meats, and vegetables. Unlike traditional cooking methods, which can have fluctuations in temperature, sous vide allows for precise control, ensuring that your soft boiled eggs have perfectly set whites and creamy yolks without the risk of overcooking. It’s an excellent method for achieving consistent results with minimal effort.
How to Sous Vide Soft Boiled Eggs
Wondering how to sous vide soft boiled eggs? The process is simple and dependable, making it easy to create creamy yolks with firm whites. Here's everything you need to get started!
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients and tools we’ll need:
For 2 servings:
Ingredients:
- 4 large, fresh eggs Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
Tools:
- Sous vide machine
- Large pot or container for the water bathSlotted spoon
- Ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water)
Step-by-Step Sous Vide Soft Boiled Eggs Recipe
Sous vide cooking might sound fancy, but it’s incredibly simple and hands-off. Let’s break down the steps:
Step 1: Set the Temperature and Time
First, fill a large pot with water and attach your sous vide machine. Set the temperature to 145°F (63°C). For soft boiled eggs, we’ll cook them for 45 minutes. This temperature will give us firm whites and creamy, jammy yolks. Now, let the water heat up!
If you’re looking for the perfect sous vide tool, the SCHWUA Sous Vide Machine is an excellent choice. It offers precise temperature control with a range from 77°F to 203°F (25°C to 95°C) and a deviation of just ±0.2°C, ensuring your eggs are cooked perfectly every time. With its durable design, advanced 3D water circulation for even cooking, and app-controlled convenience, this machine elevates your cooking experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home chef, the SCHWUA machine makes sous vide cooking easier and more reliable.
Step 2: Add the Eggs to the Water Bath
Once the water has reached the desired temperature, gently place the eggs into the water using a slotted spoon. There’s no need to vacuum seal the eggs—just drop them in! The eggs will float or sink depending on their freshness, but don’t worry, they’ll cook evenly either way.
Step 3: Time to Relax!
Here’s the best part about sous vide: now we wait. While the eggs cook, you don’t need to worry about overcooking or undercooking them. You can go about your day and come back when the timer is up.
Step 4: Prepare the Ice Bath
About 5 minutes before the eggs finish cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the eggs are done, transfer them immediately to the ice bath using the slotted spoon. Let them cool for 5 minutes. This step helps stop the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
Step 5: Peel and Serve
After cooling, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. Peel the eggs carefully under running water if needed, as this can help get a smooth peel. Once peeled, your sous vide soft boiled eggs are ready to enjoy! Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning, and you’ve got the perfect soft boiled egg sous vide for snack or breakfast.
Sous Vide Soft Boiled Egg Temperature and Timing
Adjustments If you prefer your eggs slightly firmer or softer, feel free to adjust the sous vide temperature and cooking time:
For a slightly firmer yolk: Set the temperature to 147°F (64°C) and cook for 50 minutes.
For custard-like yolks with firmer whites: Cook at 150°F (65°C) for 1 hour.
For a fully set yolk with firmer whites: Increase the temperature to 160°F (71°C) and cook for 1 hour. This will give you a firmer texture throughout the egg, closer to a traditional hard-boiled consistency but still more tender than boiling. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
Serving Suggestions for Sous Vide Soft Boiled Eggs
These soft boiled eggs sous vide are incredibly versatile. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy them:
- Classic on Toast: Serve your soft boiled eggs with buttered toast or avocado toast. You can slice the eggs in half, letting the yolk run over the toast for a rich, creamy texture.
- In Salads: Add your soft boiled eggs to a fresh salad for extra protein and richness. They pair particularly well with spinach, bacon, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Over Ramen or Rice: Soft boiled eggs are a perfect topping for ramen or rice bowls. Their creamy yolk adds a rich layer to the broth or sauce, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
- As a Snack: Enjoy your soft boiled eggs as a simple snack with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or paprika. You can also pair them with fresh vegetables or crackers.
- Marinated Eggs: For extra flavor, marinate your peeled eggs in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and a little sugar for a few hours to create delicious ramen-style eggs.
Conclusion
Sous vide soft boiled eggs are an easy way to achieve consistent, perfectly cooked eggs with creamy yolks and firm whites. With the right tools like SCHWUA Sous Vide Machine and a little practice, you can enjoy them in a variety of dishes. Whether you serve them over toast or in ramen, sous vide soft boiled eggs are sure to become a versatile favorite in your kitchen.
