Introduction
Hard boiling eggs is a staple cooking skill that is simple, yet sometimes frustrating to achieve. Properly boiling your eggs can make them easier to peel, safer to eat, and enhance their flavor and texture. In this article, we will dive into various methods of hard boiling eggs, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Step-by-Step Guide
The old-fashioned way to hard boil eggs is to use a large pot on the stovetop.
1. Choose a pot that is large enough to hold your eggs in a single layer. Fill the pot with cold water, covering the eggs with about an inch of water.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then cover the pot and turn off the heat.
3. Leave the eggs in the hot water for 9-12 minutes, depending on your desired yolk consistency. For a soft-boiled egg, remove the eggs at 6-7 minutes. For a completely hard-boiled egg, leave them in for 11-12 minutes.
4. Once done, remove the eggs from the hot water with a spoon and immediately place them in a bowl of ice-cold water. Allow them to sit for at least five minutes before peeling.
If you prefer to follow a recipe for hard boiled eggs, we recommend using the following:
- – 6 to 12 eggs
- – 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- – 1 pinch of salt
- – 3-4 cups of water
Using an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a popular kitchen appliance that can save you time and effort when boiling eggs.
1. Place a minimum of 1 cup of water into your Instant Pot and insert the metal rack.
2. Gently place your eggs on top of the rack, making sure none of them touch the water.
3. Seal the lid, choose the ‘Steam’ setting, and set the time according to your desired egg texture (5-6 mins for soft boiled, 7-8 mins for medium boiled, and 10-12 mins for hard boiled).
4. Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, let the pressure naturally release for up to 5 minutes. Then, release the rest of the pressure using the “Quick Release” method.
5. Remove the eggs from the Instant Pot and place them in a bowl of ice-cold water for a minute. Peel them once they are cool enough to handle.
Oven-Baked
Oven baking eggs is another reliable option for those who want to avoid boiling water altogether.
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place your eggs in a muffin tin or on a rack with a baking sheet underneath.
3. Bake the eggs for 30 minutes, making sure to rotate the tray halfway through cooking.
4. Remove the eggs from the oven and transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water for at least 5 minutes.
Oven-baked eggs can be creamier and easier to peel than their stovetop counterparts. They are also great for meal prep as you can cook large batches of eggs at once.
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker can be intimidating for some, but it is a great tool to cook hard boiled eggs which come out perfectly cooked every time.
1. Pour 1 cup of water into the pressure cooker and add a metal trivet for support.
2. Gently lower your eggs onto the trivet and close your pressure cooker lid, making sure it is secure and HAS a sealing function.
3. Set the valve to closed, and press the ‘Pressure Cooker’ button.
4. Cook your eggs for 5-6 minutes for soft boiled, 8-9 minutes for medium boiled, and 10-12 minutes for hard boiled.
5. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release for the rest of the pressure.
6. Remove your eggs from the pressure cooker and place them in a bowl of ice-cold water for at least one minute.
Sous Vide
Sous vide cooking is a less common but extremely effective method for boiling eggs. With this technique, your eggs will be cooked perfectly every time, with consistent results.
1. Preheat a sous vide cooker to 152°F.
2. Add your eggs to a plastic bag and submerge them in the water, making sure to remove all air bubbles in the bag.
3. Cook the eggs for 1 hour, then remove them from the water bath and place them in a bowl of ice-cold water for at least 5 minutes.
4. Once the eggs are cool enough, peel and enjoy.
As sous vide cooking is a precise and controlled method, it is great when you want a batch of boiled eggs with a consistently perfect texture.
Microwave
Microwaving eggs is a popular method for those who are in a rush. However, it also comes with a few key risks.
1. Place an egg in a microwave-safe bowl and fill the bowl with enough water to cover the egg.
2. Microwave on high for around 45 seconds.
3. Remove the egg from the bowl with a spoon and place it in a bowl of ice-cold water for a few minutes.
Be cautious never to microwave eggs that have an intact shell, as they could explode in the microwave. Additionally, microwaved eggs may have a rubbery texture.
Cold-Start Technique
Cold-start boiling is a unique and unconventional method to achieve better texture and flavors.
1. Gently lower your eggs into a pot of cold water.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Once the water boils, turn the heat down to low and let the eggs simmer for around 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the eggs and place them in a bowl of ice-cold water for two minutes before peeling.
The cold-start technique can produce a different texture and consistency to other methods, and some people prefer it.
Conclusion
Boiling eggs may seem like a simple task, but there are many methods to consider when doing so. Whether you opt for a standard stove-top pot or a sous vide method, each technique can produce slightly different textures and tastes in the eggs. We hope that our comprehensive guide has helped you better understand the best way to boil eggs to suit your lifestyle and taste preferences.
Remember to always handle boiled eggs with care, no matter how you cooked them. Experiment with multiple methods, and see which one produces the best results for you.