Soft-boiled eggs are typically cooked by placing the eggs in a pan of boiling water and then simmering for approximately 3-4 minutes. Boiled eggs are typically boiled for 10-18 minutes, depending on the size of the egg.1  If you are using large eggs, cook the eggs for 4 minutes, for a runny yolk and 6 minutes for a medium-boiled egg, where the yolk is only slightly runny. 2  For medium sized eggs, reduce these cooking times by one minute.oft-boiled eggs are typically cooked by placing the eggs in a pan of boiling water and then simmering for approximately 3-4 minutes. Boiled eggs are typically boiled for 10-18 minutes, depending on the size of the egg.