Ultimate Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Discover the secret to achieving meticulously cooked hard-boiled eggs with this straightforward yet effective method. Inspired by David Tanis' renowned recipe from 'A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes', this technique ensures perfectly tender whites and yolks that range from softly set to firm, depending on your preference. Perfect for busy college students or anyone looking for nutritious snacks, these eggs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, as an addition to salads, or as a protein-packed breakfast. With just a few simple steps, you'll master the art of hard-boiling eggs, making them a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
6 (none)
warm water
1 bowl (for egg bath)
ice-cold water
1 bowl (for ice bath)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your eggs in a warm water bath 30 minutes before cooking. Place the 6 large eggs in a bowl of warm water to ensure they reach room temperature, which prevents cracking when introduced to the boiling water.
2
While the eggs sit in warm water, prepare an ice bath. Fill a medium bowl with cold water and add a handful of ice cubes. Alternatively, put cold water in a bowl and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for about 10 minutes to expedite the cooling process.
3
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully lower the eggs into the pot using a slotted spoon or a wire egg sieve to avoid splashes and burns.
4
Once the eggs are submerged, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and time the cooking: 7.5 minutes for a creamy, golden yolk, 8 minutes for a firmer texture, or 9 minutes if you prefer a fully cooked yolk.
5
After the designated cooking time, quickly transfer the eggs into the prepared ice bath using the slotted spoon. This will immediately halt the cooking process and help prevent overcooking.
6
Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes until completely cool. Then, gently tap each egg on the counter to crack the shell all over. Allow the eggs to sit in the water for a few more minutes to allow the water to seep between the shell and the egg, making peeling easier.
7
When peeling, look for the thin membrane just beneath the shell; this layer can make peeling a breeze when ruptured. Enjoy your perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
1g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Ultimate Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs?
This recipe provides a straightforward method for achieving tender whites and yolks ranging from creamy to firm, inspired by David Tanis.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 large eggs.
Why should I put eggs in a warm water bath before cooking?
Placing eggs in warm water for 30 minutes brings them to room temperature, which helps prevent them from cracking when they are added to boiling water.
How long should the eggs sit in the warm water bath?
The eggs should sit in the warm water for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I prepare the ice bath?
Fill a medium bowl with cold water and ice cubes, or chill a bowl of cold water in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
What is the first step in the actual cooking process?
Bring water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
How should I lower the eggs into the boiling water?
Carefully lower the eggs into the pot using a slotted spoon or a wire egg sieve to prevent splashes and burns.
What should I do once the eggs are in the boiling water?
Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and begin timing the cooking process immediately.
How long do I cook eggs for a creamy, golden yolk?
Cook the eggs for exactly 7.5 minutes.
How long do I cook eggs for a firmer yolk texture?
Cook the eggs for 8 minutes.
How long do I cook eggs for a fully cooked yolk?
Cook the eggs for 9 minutes.
What is the purpose of the ice bath after cooking?
The ice bath immediately halts the cooking process to prevent the eggs from overcooking.
How long should eggs stay in the ice bath?
Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for 2 to 3 minutes until they are completely cool.
How do I prepare the eggs for peeling?
Gently tap each egg on the counter to crack the shell all over, then let them sit in the water for a few more minutes.
Why should cracked eggs sit in water before peeling?
Allowing them to sit in water allows the liquid to seep between the shell and the egg, making the peeling process much easier.
What is the secret to easy peeling?
Locate and rupture the thin membrane just beneath the shell; once this layer is broken, the shell peels off easily.
How many calories are in these hard-boiled eggs?
There are 140 calories in this serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 12g of protein.
How much fat is in these eggs?
There are 10g of fat in this recipe.
Are there many carbohydrates in these eggs?
No, there is only 1g of carbohydrates.
How long can I store leftover hard-boiled eggs?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
Who inspired this specific egg-cooking technique?
This technique was inspired by David Tanis and his book 'A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes'.
What ingredients are required?
You only need 6 large eggs, warm water for the pre-bath, and ice-cold water for the cooling bath.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the eggs are protein-packed and can be stored for snacks.
What are some ways to serve these eggs?
They can be enjoyed on their own, added to salads, or served as a quick breakfast.
Can college students make this recipe?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and designed to be easy for busy individuals like college students.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A medium saucepan is recommended for boiling the water and eggs.
How do I prevent the eggs from cracking during boiling?
By using room-temperature eggs (achieved through a warm water bath) and lowering them gently into the water with a spoon.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include hard-boiled eggs, breakfast, easy recipe, snack, meal prep, protein rich, and vegetarian.