Jammy Eggs and Toasted Sesame Oil

If slightly gooey eggs are your jam, then these Jammy Eggs and Toasted Sesame Oil should be your next meal. Soft-boiled eggs are cooked for exactly 7 minutes, yielding a jam-like yolk that is the solid consistency, then finished with toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs.

Team egg has many sides. Maybe you like them fried or hard-boiled like in this egg salad. But if you have never tried a jammy egg, then you are missing out on texture heaven. Jammy eggs fall in between a true soft-boiled egg that has a runny yolk and a hard-boiled egg, where the yolk is fully cooked.

You can top jammy eggs however you want. We wanted something that packed a flavor punch. Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty Asian flavor, and when topped with sesame seeds, builds yet another layer of texture that takes these eggs to the next level. Add some herbs for freshness, and wow-wow!

So, do you have 7 minutes to spare? Then let's make jammy eggs!

All you need are some eggs and a few condiments to make these jammy eggs with sesame oil.

• Eggs we use large eggs. You can use any size. note your cooking time may be slightly more or less depending on the size of your eggs. Also, the freshness of your eggs might affect your total cooking time. This recipe was tested using commercial, store-bought white eggs.
• Sesame oil Toasted or regular sesame oil is fine. You can easily find sesame oil in the Asian section of your supermarket. Toasted sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor.
• Sesame seeds Suited to adding a little crunch, and it compliments the sesame oil. You can toast the seeds yourself, or you can buy toasted sesame seeds.
• Fresh herbs Scallions or chives are solid to add a mild onion flavor. Parsley or cilantro is great for adding freshness.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

See recipe card for quantities.

See below for how to make the easiest, jammiest 7-minute eggs.

Step 1. Have ready 4 large eggs. Fill a 2-quart pot with water and bring to a boil.

Step 2. Using a slotted spoon or strainer, gently lower the eggs into a pot of boiling water.

Step 3. Set a timer for exactly 7 minutes while the eggs boil. Don't stray too far, you don't want to miss the timer!

Step 4. After 7 minutes, immediately remove the eggs to an ice bath. Let sit for about 10 minutes for easier peeling.

*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.

Expert tips

• Remember, these are 7-minute eggs, however, the size of your pot, your eggs, and even the type of cooktop you are using (gas vs. electric) may all affect cooking time slightly.
• We used commercial, store-bought large eggs and cooked them in a 2-quart saucepan on a gas stove, and they are indeed solid at 7 minutes. Adjust your time as needed, adding slightly less or slightly more time. Do not exceed 8 minutes.

How to peel soft-boiled eggs

Older eggs tend to peel better because they are less acidic than fresh eggs, making the membrane less likely to adhere to its shell. So if you have older eggs, you can start with those.

For an easier release from its shell, leave the eggs in their ice bath for about 10 minutes, or peel them under gently running cold water.

Begin by tapping the egg gently on a hard surface, starting at the narrow end, and slowly and carefully peel it until all the shell is removed. Unless you are entering an egg peeling contest, we see no reason to stress if they are not smooth. You are here for the yolk, am we right?

Substitutions and variations

We love the flavor of these 7-minute eggs, but they are a canvas to create anything you want. If you want a similar flavor profile, try out some of the suggestions below.

• Sesame oil Regular sesame oil can be used if you can't find toasted sesame oil. The only difference is that toasted sesame oil is made from toasted sesame seeds, so the oil is slightly nuttier in taste. But they can be used interchangeably here. You can also use another nut oil, like walnut oil, or use your favorite oil.
• Sesame seeds You can skip the sesame seeds, but if you want to add some crunch, try poppy seeds.
• Herbs and spices Play around with fresh herbs and spices. Try a little garlic or onion powder if you don't have fresh herbs. Everything bagel seasoning is another great option.
• Make it spicy! like our chili oil eggs top these jammy eggs with a drizzle of chili crunch or chili oil.

How to serve jammy eggs

Go rogue and eat them with a spoon with some salt and pepper, or serve them alongside another main dish.

• Add them to chopped salads.
• Make a jammy egg toast with avocado.
• Add to soup, ramen, or pasta.
• Make a breakfast bowl. Turn our whipped cottage cheese bowls savory by adding jammy eggs.
• Add them to our good breakfast grits.
• Swap out poached eggs for a jammy eggs Benedict.

Keeping leftovers

Jammy eggs (without the oil), can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, don't peel the eggs in advance, or they will dry out. To warm the eggs from the fridge, place the eggs (still in it's shell) in a bowl of warm water for about one minute before peeling.

Alternatively, you can peel the eggs, but leave them whole for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can reheat in warm water as described above.

Kitchen questions

What is the difference between soft-boiled eggs and jammy eggs?

Soft-boiled eggs have a runny yolk, while jammy eggs are in between a soft boiled egg and a hard-boiled egg. The yolk has a creamy consistency, similar to jam. Hence, "jammy" eggs.

How long does a jammy egg take to cook?

To get that solid, spoonable consistency, jammy eggs should cook for 7 minutes.

Ingredients

Makes 4 (2 halves each)

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp sesame oil, toasted or plain
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, *toasted or plain (*see below for how to toast sesame seeds)
• 2 tbsp chopped scallions or chives
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• medium bowl filled with ice water

Equipment

• medium pot
• slotted spoon or strainer
• medium-sized bowl

Method

1. Fill a 2-quart pot with water and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly so the water is gently bubbling instead of vigorously bubbling. Slowly lower the eggs into the boiling water and immediately set a timer for exactly 7 minutes.

2. Cook the eggs, uncovered, for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, remove the eggs and quickly place them in a bowl filled with ice water. Let them sit in the ice water for about 10 minutes.

3. After 10 minutes, remove the eggs and begin to peel each one, being careful not to break the egg.

4. Slice each egg in half lengthwise. Lay them out on a platter, season with the sesame oil, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper, and garnish with chopped scallions or chives. Check for seasoning, adding more if needed. Serve immediately.

Toasted Sesame Seeds

1. In a small non-stick pan, spread the sesame seeds out in an even layer. Cook the sesame seeds over medium-heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Set aside until ready to use.

Kitchen notes

• Remember, these are 7-minute eggs; however, the size of your pot, your eggs, and even the type of cooktop you are using (gas vs. electric) may all affect cooking time slightly.
• We used commercial, store-bought large eggs and cooked them in a 2-quart saucepan on a gas stove, and they are indeed solid at 7 minutes. Adjust your time as needed, adding slightly less or slightly more time. Do not exceed 8 minutes.