The Ultimate Guide to Boiling Eggs: From Soft-Boiled to Hard-Boiled, Plus an Easy Peeling Trick!
How to Boil Eggs Perfectly, Egg Boiling Time Guide (Soft-Boiled & Hard-Boiled), and a Magical Method for Easy Egg Peeling
What’s a pantry staple that’s always in the fridge? Eggs, of course! Eggs are a versatile ingredient, perfect for breakfast and countless other dishes. Often called a ‘complete food,’ they boast nearly all essential nutrients except for vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them a healthy choice. Egg whites, in particular, are packed with over 90% high-quality protein, ideal for a quick breakfast or as part of a diet plan. With only 60-80 calories per egg, they’re a great option for calorie-conscious eaters. From simple fried eggs to comforting steamed eggs, savory rolled omelets, and flavorful fried rice, eggs can be transformed into a variety of meals. Whether as a snack or a diet-friendly food, eggs are always a good idea. This recipe will guide you through achieving the perfect boiled egg, whether you prefer a delicate soft-boiled yolk or a firm hard-boiled center. Plus, we’ll share a fantastic trick for peeling eggs effortlessly, leaving you with beautiful, unblemished results.
Essential Ingredients- 10 fresh eggs
- Plenty of water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First things first, avoid boiling eggs straight from the refrigerator! To prevent them from cracking due to temperature shock, let the eggs sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before boiling. Once they’ve reached room temperature, gently rinse them under cool running water. Today, I’ve prepared 10 eggs, thinking of making delicious marinated eggs or a fresh salad.
Step 2
Now, place the eggs in a pot and cover them with enough water to fully submerge them. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt and 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the water. Adding salt and vinegar helps to prevent the eggs from cracking during boiling and makes them much easier to peel afterward. Once the water comes to a boil, gently stir the eggs in one direction. This helps the yolk settle in the center, creating a beautifully centered yolk. The boiling time can vary depending on your stove’s heat, the number of eggs, and the size of the pot. Since I’m boiling 10 eggs, I’ve allowed a slightly longer cooking time. If you’re boiling 5 eggs, start timing from when the water begins to boil. On an induction cooktop set to medium-high heat (levels 7-8), once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low (levels 5-7) and boil for: 5 minutes 30 seconds (for a very soft, runny yolk), 7 minutes 30 seconds (for a creamy, slightly set yolk), 9 minutes (for a semi-hard yolk), or 10 minutes (for a fully hard-boiled egg). Generally, 5-6 minutes yields a very soft-boiled egg, 7-8 minutes a creamy soft-boiled egg, and 10-12 minutes a firm hard-boiled egg.
Step 3
After boiling, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice-cold water to cool them down quickly. Here’s the secret to easily peeling eggs, especially the hard-boiled ones (I’m using 4 hard-boiled eggs as an example)! After rinsing the boiled eggs in cold water, place them in an airtight container or a bowl. Add just enough cold water to cover the bottom, then close the lid tightly and shake vigorously. This ‘shake’ creates tiny cracks all over the shell, preparing it for easy peeling.
Step 4
With the shell now cracked, carefully slide a spoon between the shell and the egg, and gently apply pressure. The shell should slip off effortlessly, almost like magic! After peeling all of them, I couldn’t resist trying one while it was still warm – its rich flavor was simply divine! (That’s my little secret!)
Step 5
I cut the eggs boiled for different durations in half to check their doneness. I aimed for a perfect soft-boiled egg at 5 minutes and 30 seconds, but I ended up boiling one for 7 minutes, resulting in a yolk that was slightly more cooked than the gooey soft-boiled consistency I intended. It’s a bit firmer than a runny yolk, but still pleasantly soft. I’ll have to be more precise with the timing next time!
Step 6
I’ve arranged the peeled eggs, boiled for varying times, on a pretty plate. It’s convenient to visually see the different levels of doneness.
Step 7
Eggs are a nutritious and delicious food enjoyed by everyone! They are perfect for dieting and make a wholesome snack. Now, using this recipe, create your ideal boiled eggs tailored to your preference. Enjoy these versatile eggs that always have a spot in your refrigerator!
