Soft-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Mollets)
The œuf mollet is the happy medium: a just-set white and a still-runny yolk, halfway between a soft-boiled egg in its shell and a hard-boiled egg. Lowered into boiling water then chilled at once, it peels cleanly and is eaten warm over salad, asparagus, soldiers or a velouté. Success is all about precise timing — around 6 minutes.
Original recipe : 750g — Œufs mollets
Ingredients
- 4 eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- A large volume of water
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (optional, helps set the white if a shell cracks)
- A bowl of iced water
Method
- 1Take the eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes ahead: a tempered egg is less likely to crack.
- 2Bring a large pan of water to the boil (add the vinegar if using).
- 3Using a slotted spoon, gently lower the eggs into the simmering water.
- 4Cook for exactly 6 minutes from the moment the water returns to the boil (5 min 30 if the eggs are at room temperature).
- 5Drain and plunge the eggs straight into iced water to stop the cooking: the yolk stays runny.
- 6Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then peel carefully under cold running water.
Tips & tricks
- The ice bath is essential: it stops the cooking instantly and makes peeling easier.
- Very fresh eggs (less than 3–4 days old) are harder to peel.
- Adjust for size: +30 s for very large eggs.
Variations
- Soft-boiled in the shell (à la coque): 3 minutes, the white stays creamy.
- Hard-boiled: 9–10 minutes, fully set yolk (see our hard-boiled eggs recipe).
Storage
Once peeled, eat right away. In the shell, up to 2 days in the fridge.
Ingredient substitutions
- Eggs : apple sauce (50 g per egg) or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water.
What to serve it with
- Crusty country bread
- A light main course to follow
- A glass of dry white wine (to taste)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make "Soft-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Mollets)"?
Allow about 2 min of prep and 6 min of cooking, i.e. 8 min in total for 4 servings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it's an "Easy" recipe: perfect for beginners, with no special technique required.
Can I make "Soft-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Mollets)" ahead and store it?
Once peeled, eat right away. In the shell, up to 2 days in the fridge.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The quantities are for 4 servings. To adjust, simply multiply or divide the ingredients by the number of guests.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, "Soft-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Mollets)" is vegetarian: it contains no meat or fish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written this recipe is gluten-free. Do check that any processed products you use are gluten-free too.
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