Place the raw egg in a saucepan
Run cold water into the saucepan until the water is 1 inch above the egg
Place the saucepan on a stove and cook over medium heat until the water begins to boil.
Reduce the heat to low.
Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes for soft-boiled eggs or 10 to 15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs
Remove the egg with a spoon or ladle and let it cool slowly, or run cold water over it to cool it more quickly.