Remove from Heat and Cover: Once the water boils, remove from the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes, depending on how cooked you want them.
Transfer to Ice Bath: Once the eggs are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes. The cold water stops the cooking process and helps separate the egg whites from the membrane.
4- Gently crack and coat: Once the eggs have cooled, gently tap them on a hard surface to create cracks around the shell. Roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell, then start peeling from the wider end, where there’s often a pocket of air that makes it easier to get under the membrane.
5. Peel the egg under running water: If you encounter stubborn shell fragments, peeling the egg under running water can help. The water flows between the egg and the shell, helping to rinse out small pieces of shell and making peeling easier.
Why this method works
The key to easily peeling hard-boiled eggs is a combination of pH adjustment, rapid cooling, and gentle handling. Changing the pH with baking soda or vinegar weakens the bond between the egg white and the shell, while rapidly cooling the eggs in an ice bath causes the shell to shrink and separate more easily.
With these tips, you’ll easily peel hard-boiled eggs, resulting in smooth, beautiful eggs like the ones pictured above! Whether you’re making deviled eggs, salads, or just eating them as a snack, this trick will save you time and effort in the kitchen.
