A soft-boiled egg is a type of egg that is cooked in its shell in boiling water for a short period, typically around 4 to 6 minutes. This cooking method results in a firm white and a runny yolk, which is often enjoyed as a breakfast dish or a topping for various meals. To prepare a soft-boiled egg, the egg is gently placed in boiling water and then removed after the desired cooking time. It can be served in an egg cup, and diners often use a spoon to scoop out the yolk and white. Soft-boiled eggs are commonly paired with toast or soldiers, which are strips of bread for dipping.