Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs are simple to make, but getting the right texture — firm whites and creamy yolks — can be tricky. Here’s a foolproof method to ensure you get perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time:
Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe
Ingredients:
- Eggs (as many as you want to cook)
- Water (enough to cover the eggs by at least an inch)
Instructions:
- Place the eggs in a pot: Arrange your eggs in a single layer in a saucepan or pot. Be sure not to crowd the eggs to prevent cracking. Add enough cold water to the pot to cover the eggs by about 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil: Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on the eggs as they heat up. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat immediately.
- Cover and let sit: Cover the pot with a lid and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for the following time, depending on your preferred level of doneness:
- Soft-boiled: 6-7 minutes
- Medium-boiled: 8-9 minutes
- Hard-boiled: 10-12 minutes
- Prepare an ice bath: While the eggs are sitting in the hot water, fill a bowl with ice and water. You’ll need this to stop the cooking process once the eggs are done.
- Transfer to ice bath: Once the eggs have finished cooking, use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them into the ice bath. Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for about 5-10 minutes. This helps prevent overcooking and makes peeling easier.
- Peel and enjoy: Gently tap the cooled eggs on the counter to crack the shell, then peel off the shell. Start peeling from the wider end where there’s typically a small air pocket, making it easier to get under the membrane.
Tips for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Older eggs are easier to peel: Fresh eggs are harder to peel, so if you can, use eggs that are a few days old for the best results.
- Cooking time: Adjust the time slightly depending on the size of your eggs, but the method should work well for large eggs.
- Room temperature eggs: If you use eggs straight from the fridge, they may crack more easily when boiling due to the temperature shock. If you have time, you can let the eggs sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before boiling.
- Peeling: If you find peeling hard-boiled eggs difficult, try cracking the eggs gently all over, then rolling them between your hands to loosen the shell. The ice bath also helps the shell come off more easily.
Enjoy your perfect hard-boiled eggs as a snack, in salads, or as a topping for toast or other dishes!