In reality an egg should NEVER actually be boiled. This is why you end up with cracked eggs, eggs that have leaked or overcooked hard-boiled eggs............you place your eggs with cold water on the stove and just bring the water to the boiling point. TURN OFF THE HEAT and cover! Now the 3 minutes - yes for soft yolk eggs (longer for hard, of course).............you should play with the time you allow them to sit in the water bath to know exactly how YOU like them best................good luck!
Kimmy - Cooking temptress