How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide - Lets Learn Slang (2024)

Want to know how to cook hard boiled eggs? You’re in the right spot

Follow this 6 step simple process and you’ll be a master in no time…

Step 1) Place eggs in a large saucepan

When cooking hard-boiled eggs, the size of the saucepan matters a lot. It should be large enough so that the eggs can lay in a single layer. This gives every egg enough space for even cooking.

Medium or large eggs are usually best for hard-boiling. They fit well in most pans and are big enough to peel easily. Here’s how to do it:

• Place the eggs gently at the bottom of the pan—it prevents them from cracking.
• Use room-temperature eggs if possible, as they won’t crack as easily when they begin cooking.
• Cover the eggs with about 1-2 inches of water. This helps to cook them evenly.

Here’s a tip: Older eggs are often much easier to peel after boiling. If possible, use eggs that have been in the fridge for a week or two, rather than fresh ones. This is because the air pocket inside the egg grows over time, which makes it simpler to remove the shell.

Remember to lay the eggs carefully in the pan so they don’t break. Then you’re ready to move on to the next steps to get those perfect hard-boiled eggs.

Step 2) Cover eggs with cold water by 1 inch

Here’s what to do:

• Lay the eggs in a single layer.
• Add cold water until it’s 1 inch higher than the eggs.

Sometimes, an egg might crack a little. If that happens, don’t worry! You can put a tablespoon of vinegar in the water. This can help keep the egg white inside, so you still get a nice egg when it’s done. But remember, adding vinegar might change the taste a little bit.

Adding salt to the water can be a good idea too. It might stop the egg white from coming out of any cracks. Just use a teaspoon of salt for this.

• A little vinegar can keep cracked eggs together.
• A teaspoon of salt can also help.

Remember, start with cold water and make sure it covers the eggs by 1 inch.

Step 3) Heat to rolling boil, then turn off and let sit

When eggs are placed in water that is heated to a rolling boil, it’s time to start the next step. The heat should be turned off as soon as the water reaches a strong, steady boil. One may see a lot of bubbles in the water at this stage, which is good.

After turning off the heat, the pot needs to be covered with a lid. This is important because it keeps the heat inside and helps the eggs to cook evenly.

The eggs need to stand in the hot water to finish cooking. This is done by leaving them in the covered pot for a certain amount of time.

Step 4) Leave eggs in hot water (9-12 mins)

Once the water has reached a boiling point, one should carefully place their eggs into the pot. It’s important to handle the eggs gently to avoid cracking.

To have eggs that are cooked just right, the next step is crucial. They need to rest in the hot water. Here’s how to time it:

• For eggs that are soft to medium boiled, let them sit in the water for 9 minutes.
• If one prefers firm but creamy yolks, a 12-minute wait is ideal.

After turning off the heat, keep the pot on the same burner. The residual heat will continue to cook the eggs. One should use a timer to keep track of the timing.

Step 5) Prepare Ice Water Bath in a Large Bowl

To stop hard boiled eggs from cooking further and to make them easier to peel, one should use an ice water bath after boiling. Here’s how to do it:

• Find a Large Bowl: It should be big enough to hold all the eggs you’ve cooked and have enough space for water and ice.
• Fill with Water: Add cold water to the bowl about halfway full.
• Add Ice: Toss in a good amount of ice cubes to the water. The water should feel really cool.
• Ready to Use: Once you’ve added the ice, the bath is ready.

When eggs finish cooking, they should go directly into this ice bath and stay there for at least five minutes. This helps the shell come off easily and stops the eggs from getting overcooked inside.

Remember:

• The bath must be cool before you add your eggs.
• There should be enough ice water to cover the eggs completely.

This simple step is key for perfectly cooked and easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs!

Step 6) Transfer Eggs to Ice Bath Immediately

Once the eggs are done boiling, it’s crucial to move them to an ice bath. Here’s why it matters:

• Stops the cooking process: The ice water halts the heat, preventing the eggs from getting overcooked.
• Makes peeling easier: The quick cooling of the eggs causes the egg whites to shrink inside the shell. This can make it simpler to remove the shell without sticking.

How to do it:

1. Prepare a large bowl filled with ice and water.
2. Use a spoon to gently lift the hot eggs from the pot.
3. Carefully place the eggs in the ice bath.
4. Wait for about 5 minutes until the eggs are fully cool.

Remember, the sooner the eggs go into the ice water, the better results you’ll have. So don’t wait—transfer them quickly!

Step 7) Peel Eggs Under Cold Running Water

After cooking a hard-boiled egg, peeling it properly is important to enjoy snacks like classic deviled eggs or an egg salad sandwich. Cold running water can make peeling easy.

While holding the egg under the water, follow these steps:

1. Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell.
2. Roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell further.
3. Start peeling from the larger end, which usually has an air pocket.
4. Let the water help separate the shell from the egg.

You’re done! Enjoy your eggs however you like!