I have been on a mission to find a method for easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs. I don’t know why eggs have become so difficult to peel.
I have had shells stick like glue in tiny little pieces to the egg. I have removed chunks of the egg trying to get the shell off, resulting in dimpled eggs. Not what you want if you are making deviled eggs, which we happen to love.
We also enjoy egg salad sandwiches or just having hard-boiled eggs on hand for a healthy snack. I knew there had to be an easier way to peel an egg.
Well, a couple of weeks ago I hit the jackpot! I discovered an easy and perfect way to cook my hard-boiled eggs with the shell sliding right off. I have tested this method several times with excellent results. The shell literally slides off in chunks!
I can’t wait for you to try this!
The Best Way to Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs
This method of cooking eggs begins with hot water.
Fill a pot with cold water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently add eggs to the boiling water. Let boil for 30 seconds. This helps to set the exterior of the white portion of the egg. Reduce heat to low, keeping a gentle boil. Continue to cook eggs for 13 minutes.
Remove eggs from the heat and drain the water. Add ice and cold water. Let eggs rest in the ice bath for 5 minutes. Don’t try to rush it. The ice bath is an important step. First it stops the cooking process and second, I think it helps in separating the egg from its shell.
After the ice bath, eggs are ready to peel. Gently roll the egg on counter to loosen shell.
Tap the egg at the widest end where there is an air gap.
Gently peel away the shell starting at the top where you tapped the egg. You can do this under running cold water.
The shell should come right off in large pieces.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to see the shell just slide right off.
When I first tried this it was truly an OMG Worthy moment. I finally found a way to make easy to peel hard-boiled eggs! They are now a regular staple in my fridge.
The yolk is cooked to perfection. No green ring around the outer yolk which is caused by overcooking. The egg whites are tender, not rubbery.
Only peel the eggs you are immediately using. Keep any extra eggs refrigerated in their shell until you are ready to use them. Peel under running water.
According to Still Tasty, hard-boiled eggs will last for approximately one week if refrigerated properly.
Just writing this post gives me a craving for some deviled eggs! How about you?
I always either over or under cook them! Thanks for the great tips!
EGGcellent idea!
OMG…just tried this and the eggs came out perfectly…didn’t have to fight with the shells!
Thanks for the best tip, EVER!
OMG this works! We are going to peel at least 60 eggs next week for a luncheon, just in time!! Pealing eggs was always a task.
Nancy – Glad you found this post! It is one of my best tips ever. I was thrilled to discover it because we make hardboiled eggs all the time. Love serving deviled eggs for parties – an easy make ahead appetizer!
I made these they work great for getting the peeling off but they were not cooked long enough with the amount of time it says. My yolks were not done. So I wasted a dozen of eggs. So if you do this recipe make sure you cook them longer than 13 minutes.
Dorothy – I am so sorry that your eggs weren’t done after the recommended time. My stove is gas. Is yours electric? I wonder if that could be the difference? The other key is bringing the water back to a boil for 30 seconds before simmering for 13. I hope your next batch worked out for you. I was thrilled to discover this method for easy peel eggs because I always struggled with hard to peel shells.
Do you cook for 13 min per dozen?
It doesn’t matter how many eggs – as long as you have sufficient water covering them and bring to a boil before reducing to simmer.
This ‘recipe’ for boiled eggs… oh my word, 68 and never thought I’d need a easy peel boiled egg recipe, I botched it up in every way I could and they are PERFECT… Can’t believe it…
LaRinda – I am so glad your hard boiled eggs turned out so well! I wish I knew this tip years ago – I used to struggle peeling the eggs! Thanks for writing!