How Do You Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs? Budget, Ingredients

It’s no secret that I adore eggs.

They’re affordable, simple to prepare, and incredibly adaptable!

“Put an egg on it” has always been my favorite budget supper hack. While soft-boiled eggs are my preference, there are situations when a hard-boiled egg is the best option.

So I thought I’d post a little tutorial on how to make hard-boiled eggs so you could see how simple it is to incorporate them into your meals!

Let’s go right to the point of what everyone is looking for…

HOW LONG SHOULD EGGS BE BOILED?

To create hard-boiled eggs, simply boil large eggs for about 12 minutes.

The long answer – The time it takes to hard boil an egg depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• The size of the egg
• The type of cookware and stovetop used
• The starting temperature of the egg
• The boiling method used (cold start, hot start, steaming)
• Your altitude

I’ll give you a rough guide below, but you’ll have to experiment a little to figure out the precise time it takes to make flawless hard-boiled eggs with your equipment, eggs, and altitude.

My results after 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 minutes are shown in the graphic above.

6 minutes: lovely yolk jam
8 minutes: half set, half jammy yolk
10 minutes: largely set, with some dampness in the yolk’s core
12 minutes: the yolk is totally firm.
14 minutes: firm yolk, but not yet cooked to the point of being green.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOILING EGGS

As previously stated, there are numerous methods for making hard-boiled eggs.

The hot water bath method is one of my favorites because it doesn’t require much attention and is forgiving if you can’t get to the eggs precisely when the timer goes off. The following is how it works:

1. IN A POT, COVER COLD EGGS WITH WATER.
   Place chilled, big eggs in a single layer in a saucepot straight from the refrigerator. Allow one inch of water to cover the eggs.
2. BRING TO A BOILING STATION
   Bring the water to a boil over high heat with the lid on the saucepan.
3. TURN THE HEAT OFF
   Turn off the heat and leave the pot on the burner once the water has reached a full rolling boil (lid still on). Allow 12 minutes for the eggs to rest in the boiling water. The water will gradually cool while the eggs set, giving you more flexibility before they overcook (a green-tinged yolk indicates an overcooked egg).
4. PUT THE EGGS IN THE ICE BATH
   Transfer the eggs to a bowl of icy water for around 5 minutes after 12 minutes.
5. ENJOY THE PEELING!

STEAM EGGS HARD-BOILING

Because you just use about an inch of water, which comes to a boil quickly, this method is quite quick.

Simply steam the eggs for 10-12 minutes to make hard-boiled eggs using the steaming method. Steamed eggs, on the other hand, peel quite readily.

HARD-BOILED EGGS ARE GOOD FOR HOW LONG?

When refrigerated in its shell, a hard-boiled egg will last about a week. A peeled hard-boiled egg should be consumed within two days of being peeled.

HARD-BOILED EGGS PEELING GUIDE

Hard-boiled egg peeling instructions abound on the internet. But, to be honest, I’ve tried them all and have yet to find a way that consistently produces consistent results.

Even within the same batch of hard-boiled eggs, eggs can range from impossible to peel with ease.

As a result, I’m going to post all of the tips and tactics I’ve heard in case you want to give them a shot to see whether they work for you.

• Fresh eggs are easier to peel than old eggs
• Instead of bringing the eggs to a boil together, add them to the boiling water cold (this tracks with my steamed eggs being easy to peel more often than not)
• Before peeling the egg, tap it on a solid surface and gently roll it to crack the shell on all sides
• Eggs should be peeled under running water (the flow helps separate the white from the peel)
• Slide a spoon between the shell and the egg white to separate them after removing part of the shell.
• In a covered container, gently shake the eggs to crack the shells until they come off.
• Add 12 tsp baking soda to the water (per pot).

Have any of these strategies worked for you? In the comments section below, let us know which one works best for you.

EGG RECIPE WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS

Hard-boiled eggs are a staple in my kitchen. Here are some hard-boiled egg recipe ideas if you’re looking for some inspiration.

• Deviled Eggs (or Sriracha Deviled Eggs)
• Egg Salad
• Use a meal prep lunch box
• Add them to a breakfast bowl
• Add to Salads
• They make an interesting addition to guacamole or avocado dip
• Use in potato salad
• Add to a bowl of ramen
• Chop and stir into tuna salad
• Slice and add to avocado toast (I like to top with everything bagel seasoning and sriracha)
• Slice and add to a veggie sandwich
• Add to a bowl of savory oatmeal

HOW TO MAKE HARD-BOILED EGGS

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large eggs

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING HARD-BOILED EGGS

1. In a saucepot, crack chilled eggs. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the eggs by one inch.
2. Turn the heat to high and cover the saucepan with a lid. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Turn off the heat and leave the pot on the burner (with the lid on) for around 12 minutes once the water has reached a full rolling boil.
4. Transfer the eggs to a dish of ice water after 12 minutes. For around five minutes, chill the eggs in ice water.
5. Enjoy the peelings.

NOTES

*Cooking time will vary significantly depending on altitude, cookware, stovetop, egg size, and temperature.

NUTRITION

• Serving: 1 egg
• Calories: 72 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Sodium: 71 mg