Knowing how to boil eggs seems simple but there are a few tricks to help yield the best hard-boiled eggs. Let’s see if you know about them!
I was in the dairy aisle of my local market the other day and there, before my eyes, were already hard-boiled eggs. Of course, they cost more, I couldn’t help but think really? Why? I guess for convenience. They are so easy to make yourself. If you can boil water and set a timer, then you can do this! Hard-boiled eggs can be used in many dishes quite versatile: deviled eggs, chopped in a salad, picnic-style with sea salt & pepper. And don’t forget about the famous egg salad sandwich. Yes, please!
Picking Eggs
Eggs are the perfect combination of nutrition and versatility. Each egg is a great supply of protein, vitamins, and minerals. While eggs contain fat and cholesterol, they are low in sodium and are only about 70 calories each.
Personally, I think the eggs from free-range chickens are the healthiest and best-tasting. The color of the egg does not affect the taste; that has more to do with what they are fed.
How to Boil Eggs
- Place eggs in a medium-sized pot, fill with COLD water until they are covered by about 1 inch of water.
- Next, put on the stovetop and bring to a hard boil for one minute.
- Next, cover and remove from the heat.
- Let them sit for about 15min.
- Finally, put them in an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Instant Pot 5-5-5 Method
Recently I purchased an Instant Pot. I have been really happy with the results of using this method for making hard-boiled eggs.
- Begin by adding one cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Now put a trivet in the pot and place eggs on top of the trivet.
- Next, close and set the release to sealing.
- Cook in manual mode for 5 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 5 minutes.
- Finally, remove to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
Egg Boil Practice Makes Perfect
Every stove is different, so practice. Eggs are inexpensive and they don’t have to go to waste if you mess one up (chop it up and put in a salad). If your yellow yokes have gray/green skin on the outside, your cooking time was too long. If they are a little soft in the centers, they need to boil a couple of minutes longer.
Learn how to cook them to your liking and write it down so you remember!
Tips for Hard Boiling Eggs
- Skip fresh eggs, older eggs peel easier.
- Not sure eggs are good? Fill a pint glass with water and add an egg. If it floats, it’s no good. If it sinks, it’s good.
- A teaspoon of baking powder helps with peeling.
- If you aren’t peeling right away, crack them or otherwise mark them in some way. You don’t really want to mix these up!
Now you know how to boil eggs along with all these tips. How will you use your next batch of hard-boiled eggs?
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Frederick Schramm says
I’ve used both baking POWER and baking SODA with similar results. Both help the inner shell membrane to stick to the shell and not the albumen (the whites). Unlike baking, you can use what you have on hand.
Teri says
Is it baking POWDER (as it says above) or baking SODA (as one person commented)????
Deb says
Put it in the cold water along with the eggs, then boil them.
Gail says
Hi, would I add the baking soda to the boiling water? Thanks,Gail