How to Hard-Cook (Hard-Boil) Eggs
There are many methods for hard-cooking (hard-boiling) eggs circulating online, which may leave you wondering; what’s the best way to hard-cook eggs? Here is our guide to perfectly made eggs every time.
Method 1
Step 1: Punch a hole
Use a pin to punch a small hole at the widest end of the egg. If you do not have a pin, a paring knife can be used by gently poking the egg shell with the tip and twisting the knife. The purpose of this step is to help air escape from the egg when cooking, resulting in a perfectly round shape. As shell eggs typically have an air pocket at the widest end, this step helps to eliminate the air to form the perfect egg shape.
Step 2: Boil water
Place the eggs in the bottom of the pot. Fill with enough cold water to cover the eggs by an inch and bring the water to a boil. When the water comes to a boil, remove the eggs from the stove.
Step 3: Set a timer
Set a timer to ensure your eggs cook to your desired hardness. We recommend:
Soft-cooked: 6 to 8 minutes.
Medium-cooked: 11 to 12 minutes.
Hard-cooked: 18 to 23 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare an ice bath
While your eggs are cooking, fill a separate bowl with enough water and ice to submerge the eggs.
Step 5: Remove the eggs from the boiling water
Once your timer is done, use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the boiling water and submerge the eggs into the prepared ice bath. Let the eggs sit for 5-10 minutes. The purpose of the ice bath is to stop the eggs from cooking further and make the eggs easier to peel. This step also stops the egg from developing a gray ring around the yolk.
Step 6: Peel the eggs
When you are ready to use your hard-cooked eggs, crackle the egg all over by tapping it on a hard surface. Roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell. Start peeling at the large end of the egg. To help remove the shell, try holding the egg under cold running water or dip it in a bowl of water while peeling.
Step 7: Serve
Your eggs are now ready to add to your dish or eat them as is!
Method 2
Step 1: Fill saucepan
Place cold eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Fill the saucepan so the eggs are covered with at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of cold water.
Step 2: Cook eggs
Bring the water to a boil over high heat (with lid on or off, as you wish). When the water reaches a boil, immediately cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat to stop water from boiling further.
Step 3: Set timer
Let the eggs stand in the water, covered for 18 to 23 minutes (depending on the size of the egg). Be sure to set a timer so you don’t forget about the eggs. When the timer rings, immediately drain off the water and run cold water over the eggs until they feel cool to the touch.
Step 4: Peel and serve
Peel and serve the eggs as you would in method 1 (steps 6 and 7).
Method 3: Air Fryer Hard-Cooked Egg Hack
Looking for another way to hard-cook eggs? Try this air fryer hard-cooked egg hack!
FAQ
What Are Ways to Use Hard-Cooked (Hard-Boiled) Eggs?
Hard-cooked (hard-boiled) eggs are a perfect way to add an affordable protein to your daily meals. Meal ideas include:
How to Make Hard-Cooked (Hard-Boiled) Eggs in the Pressure Cooker
Want to try making hard-cooked (hard-boiled) eggs in the pressure cooker? Try these simple steps:
Step 1: Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker.
Step 2: Place a steaming rack inside the pressure cooker and place the desired amount of hard cooked eggs on the rack.
Step 3: Seal the pressure cooker and set to high pressure. Let cook for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Once cooked, let the eggs sit for 5 minutes before unsealing the lid.
Step 5: Remove the eggs from the pressure cooker with a slotted spoon and add the eggs to an ice bath. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before peeling the eggs as normal.
How to Store Hard-Cooked (Hard-Boiled) Eggs
Proper food storage is an essential component of food safety. Here are tips to storing your hard-cooked (hard-boiled) eggs:
Store your eggs in an airtight container to avoid contamination by other foods
Store your eggs with the shell on whenever possible. Peel your eggs only when you are ready to use them.
Keep your eggs refrigerated. Any eggs kept out of the fridge for more than 2 hours should be tossed out.
How Long Do Hard-Cooked (Hard-Boiled) Eggs Last in the Fridge?
Hard-cooked (hard-boiled) eggs can last in the fridge for up to 7 days. Although shell eggs can remain fresh in the fridge for 3-5 weeks, cooked eggs have a shorter shelf-life.