The egg should be placed in a small pan. Cover with at least 2.5cm (1") of cold water, add a pinch of salt, and cook on high. When the water is nearly boiling, stir the egg carefully and set a kitchen timer for one of the following durations.
How long should an egg be boiled:
3 minutes for a very soft yolk and set white.
4 minutes for a slightly firm egg yolk and a set egg white.
5 minutes for a medium-cooked yolk and white with a firmer consistency.
6 minutes for hard boiled with lightly soft yolk.
8 minutes for a solidly hard-boiled egg
Reduce heat so that the water is bubbling but not rapidly boiling, and mix the egg again.
Once the cooking time is finished, take the egg from the pan using a slotted spoon, set it in an egg cup, and serve with hot buttered bread soldiers immediately.