Boiling eggs is one of the easiest things to do in the kitchen, and yet, it can be surprisingly easy to mess up, leaving you with either an under or overcooked egg. Follow these simple tips to get the perfect boiled egg every time.
What You Need
Before you start boiling your eggs, there are a few key ingredients you will need to have:
- Eggs
- A pot
- Water
- Timer
- Ice
Eggs
Eggs are, of course, the most important ingredient you will need to make boiled eggs. When shopping for eggs, look for ones that are fresh and have not passed their expiration date. Fresh eggs have a higher density, which means they will sink to the bottom of the pot when you put them in the water.
A Pot
You will need a pot large enough to hold all the eggs you want to boil, without crowding them. Make sure the pot is deep enough so that the eggs will be fully submerged in water.
Water
The amount of water you add to the pot will depend on how many eggs you are boiling and the size of your pot. As a general rule, use enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. This will ensure that the eggs cook evenly and don’t crack.
Timer
You will need to time your eggs as they boil, so you don’t end up over-cooking them. Set a timer for the length of time you want to cook your eggs and make sure to keep an eye on it.
Ice
Once your eggs are done boiling, you will need to cool them down quickly to prevent overcooking. To do this, have a bowl of ice water ready to transfer the eggs to once they are done boiling.
Boiling Your Eggs
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start boiling your eggs. Follow these simple steps:
- Place your eggs in a pot and add enough water so that they are fully submerged.
- Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat on high.
- Once the water starts to boil, set your timer for the desired time. Start with 6 minutes for a soft-boiled egg, and up to 12 minutes for a hard-boiled egg.
- Turn off the heat and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes, or until they have cooled down completely.
- Tap the eggs gently on a hard surface to crack the shell and peel them.
Soft-Boiled vs. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Depending on how long you boil your eggs, you can either have a soft-boiled or hard-boiled egg. Here’s the difference:
Soft-Boiled Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs have a runny yolk and a slightly set white. The perfect soft-boiled egg is cooked for 6 minutes. To make a soft-boiled egg:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Lower the heat and carefully add your eggs to the pot.
- Set your timer for 6 minutes and cook the eggs.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- Peel and enjoy!
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs have a fully cooked yolk and white. For a perfect hard-boiled egg, cook for 10-12 minutes. To make a hard-boiled egg:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Lower the heat and carefully add your eggs to the pot.
- Set your timer for 10-12 minutes and cook the eggs.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- Peel and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Boiled Eggs
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the perfect boiled egg every time:
The Right Temperature
Start with room temperature eggs to ensure even cooking. If you keep your eggs in the fridge, take them out at least 30 minutes before boiling.
Fresh Eggs
Fresh eggs are less likely to crack while boiling, and they peel easier than older eggs. If you’re not sure how fresh your eggs are, try the float test: place your eggs in a bowl of water, if they sink to the bottom and lay flat, they’re fresh. If they stand upright or float, they’re not as fresh.
Add Salt to the Water
Adding salt to the water can help prevent the eggs from cracking and make them easier to peel.
Let Them Rest
Let your eggs rest in the ice water for a few minutes after boiling. This will help loosen the membrane and make peeling easier.
Don’t Overcook
Overcooking your eggs can result in a rubbery texture and a grey ring around the yolk. Keep an eye on your timer and make sure to remove the eggs from the water as soon as it’s done.
Summary
Boiling eggs is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail to get it just right. Follow these tips for the perfect boiled egg every time:
- Use fresh eggs
- Boil your eggs for the desired time
- Transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking
- Peel them when they’re cool enough to handle
Common Questions About Half-Boiled Eggs
- What are half-boiled eggs?
- How long do you boil eggs for half-boiled eggs?
- How do you know if half-boiled eggs are done?
Half-boiled eggs are a type of soft-boiled egg that is popular in some Asian countries.
To make half-boiled eggs, bring a p0t of water to a boil, then carefully add your room temperature eggs. Boil for 4-5 minutes, then remove the eggs from the pot and immediately crack them into a bowl. Serve with soy sauce and white pepper.
Half-boiled eggs should have a runny yolk and lightly set white. Boil your eggs for 4-5 minutes for the perfect half-boiled egg.
References
- https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-boil-eggs
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a26258643/how-to-make-boiled-eggs
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/how-to-make-perfect-hard-boiled-eggs-a-step-by-step-guide