Ingredients a pan of boiling water 24 quail eggs 2 tsp dried oregano 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 1tbsp sea salt 2 tsp cracked black pepper Top tip! Quails eggs are also delicious dipped in celery salt or smoked paprika. Method Add the bicarbonate of soda to the boiling water and boil the eggs for 1½ minutes, slightly longer if you prefer hard-boiled eggs. Place the eggs in a bowl of iced water and allow to cool before carefully peeling. Put the salt, oregano and pepper in dipping bowls, place on a platter with the eggs and serve.