It seems that hard boiling an egg is the easiest task in the kitchen.
And it is once you’ve got the hang of the egg-boiling basics. The main thing is to watch set the timer to make sure you boil your egg to the condition you want.
I usually worked on “set it and forget it” basis, however, you do have to remember to turn off your stove, or otherwise water will evaporate from boiling and an egg will explode.
Also, pay attention to the size of your eggs, and you’ll nail those cooking times, too.
Basic Egg Boiling Rules
Here’s how you can get cracking with these simple steps for boiling eggs:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Gently lower the eggs into the water (otherwise, they might crack).
- Set a timer based on how you like your yolk:
- 6 minutes for a runny yolk.
- 8 minutes for a soft-boiled texture.
- 10 minutes for a hard-boiled egg.
These times work best for large eggs. For extra-large eggs, add about 30 seconds, and for jumbo eggs, add a full minute.
Quick Story: I remember the first time I nailed the perfect soft-boiled egg—6 minutes exactly. I added it to a salad, and it was the highlight of my meal. Now, it’s my go-to for an easy, fancy touch on simple dishes.
Alternative Boiling Methods
If you want to change it up, try steaming or pressure cooking:
- Steaming: Place eggs in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and adjust the time depending on your preference. Steamed eggs peel super easily, which is a game-changer.
- I use egg cooker (basically it is an egg steamer) for years. I find it is easy to use, makes loud noise when water evaporated. It is compact in size so I can take it with me when I go electrical camping or cottaging.
- Pressure Cooking: Use an Instant Pot for 5-6 minutes on high pressure. Quick-release, then add eggs to an ice bath to cool. They’ll peel like a dream!
How to Easily Peel Hard Boiled Egg
- Use eggs that are about a week old.
- Add a splash of vinegar or baking soda to the water to loosen the shell.
- Drop the eggs in an ice bath after boiling to make peeling easier.
- Peel eggs under a tap: Letting a bit of water run while peeling those eggs will wash away tiny shell bits and make the job easier.
- Crack and Roll Dance: Tap an egg on a hard surface, then roll it gently to crack the shell all around before peeling.
Nutritional Value of Eggs
Eggs are like little power packs full of nutrition. Let’s break down what makes them such a healthy choice.
- Low in Calories: Eggs are low-cal but packed with essential nutrients, making them a filling, healthy snack or meal option.
- Protein Power: Eggs are rich in protein, helping you stay full and giving you lasting energy.
- Healthy Fats: The fats in eggs support brain health and keep your mood steady.
- Vitamins for Days: Eggs contain vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, making them like a mini vitamin cabinet in a shell.
- Nutrient-Rich: Besides protein and fats, eggs also have iron, folate, and selenium, supporting cell health, heart health, and more (Omni Calculator).
Key Nutrients in Eggs
Let’s break down what’s inside these breakfast legends:
| Nutrient | What It Does For You |
|---|---|
| Proteins | Builds muscles, helps with enzymes & hormones |
| Fats | Fuels energy & keeps your brain sharp |
| Cholesterol | Key for making hormones & protecting cells |
| Vitamins | Keeps your body’s functions running smooth |
| Iron | Moves oxygen in your blood—pretty important |
| Folate | Helps your cells grow and repairs DNA |
| Selenium | Fights oxidants & supports your thyroid |
| Lutein | Guards your eyes against harmful stuff |
| Zeaxanthin | Another eye defender |
| Choline | Boosts brain health & nerve operations |
Eggs are packed with nutrients that are great for your body and mind. They’re easy to add to any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Enjoy!
What pair well with eggs for breakfast? Exactly – BACON!!!! If you are looking for healthy way to cook bacon, then check out The Simplest Way to Cook Bacon in the Oven.