Boiling eggs is a basic cooking skill that many people take for granted. However, there are different methods and techniques to cook eggs perfectly. Whether you want hard-boiled eggs for salads, deviled eggs, or snacks, or soft-boiled eggs for breakfast, you can achieve the desired outcome by following a few simple steps.
Here’s how to boil eggs perfectly.
Step 1: Choose Fresh Eggs
The quality of the eggs you use matters when it comes to boiling them. Pick fresh eggs that have been stored in the refrigerator, and are at least a week old. Fresh eggs are harder to peel, so they are not suitable for boiling. If you have eggs that are several weeks old, those are perfect to boil, as they separate the shell easily.
Step 2: Use a Pot With a Lid
Choose a pot that is large enough to hold the number of eggs you want to boil. You don’t want the eggs to be overcrowded in the pot. Add cold water to the pot until it’s filled 1 inch above the eggs you’re boiling. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside.
Step 3: Bring The Water to a Boil
Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, you can put in the eggs. If you are boiling a large batch of eggs, you should reduce the heat to prevent the pot from overflowing.
Step 4: Add the Eggs Carefully
Using a spoon, gently lower the eggs into the water one at a time. Be cautious not to drop them. Gently stir the water with the spoon to distribute the eggs evenly.
Step 5: Set The Timer
Depending on how you prefer your eggs, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. For soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks, boil for 4-5 minutes. For medium-boiled eggs that have a slightly set yolk, boil for 6-8 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, boil for 9-12 minutes, depending on the size of the egg.
Step 6: Remove The Eggs From The Pot
Once the cooking time is over, use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the pot and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will cool the eggs and prevent the yolks from overcooking. Let the eggs sit in the ice water for at least 5 minutes.
Step 7: Peel The Eggs
After the eggs have cooled down, it’s time to peel them. Tap the eggs gently against a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll the egg on the surface to break the shell into smaller pieces. Start peeling the egg from the bottom, where there’s usually a larger air pocket that makes it easier to peel the shell off.
FAQs
Q: How can you tell if an egg is fresh?
A. One way to tell if an egg is fresh is to put it in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lies flat at the bottom, it’s fresh. If it sinks but stands on its smaller end, it’s still good, but not as fresh. If it floats it has gone bad and must be thrown away.
Q: Can I boil cold eggs?
A. If you put cold eggs into hot water, they will crack, which is not ideal. Start by placing the eggs in a pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil before you set the timer. Let the water cool down for a few minutes before you remove the eggs.
Q: What is the best way to store boiled eggs?
A. Once you have boiled eggs, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. Boiled eggs can last for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Q: How long can you boil eggs for?
A. It depends on how you like your boiled eggs. Soft-boiled eggs need 4-5 minutes of boiling, medium-boiled eggs take 6-8 minutes, while hard-boiled eggs take 9-12 minutes, depending on the size of the egg.
Final Thoughts
Boiling eggs might seem like an easy task, but to get them perfectly cooked, several factors must be taken into consideration. By following the steps above, along with the FAQs, you can boil eggs that come out perfect every time. So go ahead and boil some eggs for salads, deviled eggs, or to have as a quick and healthy snack.
