How to Make a Hard Boiled Egg?
Hard-boiled eggs are a staple in many kitchens around the world. They’re a quick and easy protein source for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, and they’re also a key ingredient in many dishes like egg salad or deviled eggs.
But if you’ve ever attempted to make hard-boiled eggs, you know that it’s not always as easy as it seems. Whether you end up with rubbery whites or yolks that are too soft or too hard, it can be a challenge to get the perfect hard-boiled egg.
If you’re tired of trial and error and want to learn how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs every time, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll go over the best methods for boiling eggs, how to peel them, and how to store them so you can enjoy perfectly cooked eggs at any time.
How to Make a Hard Boiled Egg?
Making a hard-boiled egg may seem like a simple task, but if you’ve ever ended up with a batch of eggs that are overcooked and rubbery, you know that it’s not as easy as it seems.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs every time, with three subheading sections on the best methods for boiling eggs, how to peel them, and how to store them.
Method 1: Boiling Eggs on the Stovetop
The most traditional method for boiling eggs is to place them in a pot of water on the stovetop. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a pot with cold water and add the eggs. It’s important to use cold water because if you start with hot water, the eggs will cook too quickly and may crack.
- Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
- Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the eggs sit in hot water for 10-12 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the eggs’ size and how well you like your yolks. For large eggs, 10-12 minutes will yield a fully cooked white and a yolk that is set but still slightly soft in the center. If you prefer your yolks more firm, you can cook the eggs for an additional minute or two.
- Once the eggs are done cooking, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. This will stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
Method 2: Boiling Eggs in the Instant Pot
If you have an Instant Pot, you can use it for cooking your hard-boiled eggs. This method is great because it’s quick and produces perfectly cooked eggs every time. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the eggs in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
- Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing.
- Press the “manual” button and set the cooking time to 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool.
Method 3: Boiling Eggs in the Oven
Believe it or not, you can cook hard-boiled eggs in the oven. This method is great if you’re cooking a large batch of eggs or don’t have access to a stovetop or an Instant Pot. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the eggs in a muffin tin or on a baking sheet.
- Bake the eggs for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool.
How to Peel a Hard-Boiled Egg?
Peeling a hard-boiled egg can be a frustrating task, especially if the egg is fresh. Here are a few tips to make it easier:
- Start by cracking the shell all over. You can do this by gently tapping the egg on a hard surface or rolling it on the counter.
- Once the shell is cracked, use your fingers to peel off the pieces of the shell, starting at the wide end of the egg, where there is usually a small air pocket.
- If the shell is sticking to the egg, try running the egg under cold water or dipping it in a bowl of cold water to loosen the shell.
- You can also try rolling the egg gently on the counter to loosen the shell.
If you’re having a particularly difficult time peeling the egg, it may be because it’s too fresh. As egg ages, the air pocket at the wide end of the egg grows, making it easier to peel.
So if you’re having trouble peeling an egg, try storing it in the refrigerator for a week or so before boiling it.
How to Store Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To store them, place them in a covered container in the refrigerator.
If you’re worried about them drying out, you can add a damp paper towel to the container to help keep them moist.
If you have leftover hard-boiled eggs that you don’t think you’ll be able to eat within a week, you can freeze them. To freeze hard-boiled eggs, peel them and place them in a covered container in the freezer.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Place them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to thaw them.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, making hard-boiled eggs is a simple task that can be done on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or even in the oven. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to perfect the cooking time and produce perfectly cooked eggs every time.
Just remember to let them cool in a bowl of ice water before peeling, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer to enjoy later.