Learn the best method for how to boil eggs to produce the perfect hard boiled egg every single time without any fuss.
Step 1: Place eggs in the bottom of a saucepan. Be sure not to crowd the eggs in the pan. They should fit comfortably.
Step 2: Fill the pan with cold water, 1 inch above the eggs.
Step 3: Bring the water to a rapid boil on the stovetop over high heat.
Step 4: Once the water comes to a boil, cover the pan with a lid and remove the pan from the heat. Do not lift the lid. Set a timer for the type of boiled egg you want, from 4 minutes to 12 minutes.
Step 5: Fill a large bowl with ice and water.
Step 6: When the eggs reach the desired cooking time, use tongs to remove the eggs from the hot water and immerse gently into the prepared ice water to cool, about 10 minutes.
Step 7: Gently tap the eggs against a hard surface and peel away the shell. Rinse the egg under cold water to remove any bits of shell and pat dry.
How many minutes should I cook my egg?
Soft Boiled (runny or very soft yolk) – 4 to 6 minutes
Hard Boiled (solid cooked yolk) – 8 to 12 minutes
TROUBLESHOOTING
Why does my yolk have a green circle around it?
Unfortunately, a green yolk means you’ve overcooked your eggs.
One of my eggs cracked while boiling. Can I still eat it?
Every once in a while an egg cracks while boiling and may leak some of the interior white and even yolk. The egg is technically still edible as it has been cooked, albeit a slightly different method. Usually I simply discard these eggs.
Why doesn’t my egg peel smoothly?
Sometimes when you peel the egg you may notice that bits and pieces of the egg come off with the shell. This is completely normal and will not affect the taste of the egg, only the appearance. There are many reasons why eggs do not peel smoothly. Fresh eggs are difficult to peel, while older eggs peel easier. There are many tips, tricks, and old wives tales as to how to peel an egg smoothly. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water, or a teaspoon of vinegar. Poke the bottom of the egg with a needle before cooking. Crack the eggs all over before putting them in the ice bath. These are just a few of the many tips and tricks out there.
Really good!
I let mine sit for 12 minutes after it came to a full boil but the yolks turned out like the picture of 6 minutes. In the future, I’ll need to leave them sit for 20 minutes.
This happened to my husband too when he tried to cook just a couple eggs in our small, super lightweight saucepan. I think it’s because it comes to a boil more quickly (meaning less time in hot water during first phase) and the thin metal and smaller amount of water hold less heat and the water cools too quickly during the last phase. The times always work out perfectly when I use a good size, thick bottomed pan.
Wow, this worked. I’m impressed. Cooked for 8 minutes and perfection. Plus stove is off and less energy used.
I have a college degree in Poultry Science from Texas A&M and they never taught us anything about cooking eggs! Your recipe was the bomb!!
This comment made my day! I bet you know everything else about the raising and rearing and then subsequent meat production! Anywho! Put a smile on this PennStater’s face (whose mother said NO when I said anything about going to A&M).
So cool! This is the second time I’ve “run into you” (online” ) in as many days! Yesterday I was pleased to see a video of yours about a nasty email you got and self love (loved it) and this morning I googled boiled eggs and here you are again. The universe must be throwing you my way for a reason. I’ll be checking things out! Thanks for the egg tips. ?
GREAT , CAME OUT CREAMY. BEST BATCH I EVER MADE!!!! TY FOR THE TIPS……CREAMY CENTERS. JUST OH SO GOOD. ONLY ONE WAS A PAIN TO PEEL, KINDA LIKE THE DIFFICULT CHIILD LOL
Success..thank you very much. I like my eggs warm, so I only avoided the ice therapy.
I grew up with green/grey on the outside and assumed it was normal for hard boiled eggs. However, I enjoy your information and find your hard-boiled are much easier to eat! 🙂
I got tired of gross green/gray rings around the eggs, as I feel that it changes the flavor for the worst. This method is perfect, and I show it to everyone.
True! Was very tired of green-lined eggs as well. I read the technique, but your post convinced me to give it a shot. Success!!!
College students need these hacks