Learn the easiest way for how to make perfect hard boiled eggs, every single time! Hard boiled eggs make a great, healthy snack and they are the base of so many recipes, from deviled eggs to egg salad. I meal prep them all of the time and I’ve come up with this foolproof approach. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn my go-to method for the perfect hard boiled eggs.
I’ve literally tried every hard boiled egg method there is. I tried poking a hole in shell, adding baking soda, apple cider vinegar, using fresh eggs, older eggs… you name it. Well, except for hard boiling them in my Instant Pot. I know many people are all about that, but I’ll be honest – taking my Instant Pot out of the tallest cabinet in my kitchen and washing all of those parts just isn’t worth it to me, when I already LOVE this method of steaming eggs.
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
Steaming is the only way that I’ve found to get perfect hard boiled eggs, every single time, and the shells always peel right off!
I think we’ve all been there, when we go to peel a hard boiled egg and suddenly we’re left with like half a yolk, because the egg white stuck to the shell. I know, it happens to the best of us.
Plus, if you were a child of the 80’s, odds are you grew up with that gorgeous (actually kinda disgusting) gray ring around the edge of the yolk. That’s because our parents didn’t realize at the time that the ice bath is what stops the cooking of the hard boiled eggs, and therefore prevents the gray ring. Oh what kids these days will never get to experience!
How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
1. First off, you’re gonna need some eggs! I personally prefer pasture-raised eggs for their flavor and the more orange yolk, but any eggs will work! Do take into account the size of the eggs. Large eggs are the standard size in most recipes, so that’s what I typically use. Medium eggs will cook faster and Extra Large or Jumbo eggs will take a little longer.
2. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil. I add about 3” of water to the bottom of the pot. I recommend using the same pot every time for consistent results. I use a large stainless steel stock pot. Different types of pots, such as cast iron, can take longer to come to a boil which may need less cooking time once eggs are at a boil.
3. Place a steamer basket over the pot of water. If you’re using a steamer basket that sits at the bottom of the pot, just make sure that the basket isn’t actually touching the water.
4. Place as many eggs as you’d like into the steamer basket. Cover the pot and continue to boil the water. Meanwhile, fill a bowl with water and lots of ice, leaving plenty of room to add the eggs, so that the water won’t overflow, and set aside.
How Long to Boil Eggs
As soon as you cover the pot with a lid, set your timer and follow these times for your preferred hard boiled eggs. If you’d like, you can remove them from the steam basket at different times and set up different bowls with ice water to make a variety of eggs all in one pot.
- For a runny yolk and set egg white, steam the eggs for 7 minutes.
- For an almost completely set yolk and completely set white (my personal fave), steam the eggs for 9 minutes.
- For a completely set and firm yolk and white, steam the eggs for 11 minutes.
5. Once the time is up, use tongs to place the eggs into the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the ice bath until they’re cool enough to handle.
The Best Way to Peel an Egg
6. Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, crack the peel on the edge of the bowl or a countertop, and roll them to crack the peel all around. Peel eggs under running cold water for easier shell removal. It forces water under the membrane for easier shell removal. Gently peel off the shell and ENJOY! I love topping my hard boiled eggs with Franks Hot Sauce & sea salt!
Looking for delicious recipes to use these hard boiled eggs in? Check out my Buffalo Deviled Eggs and my Bacon Fat Deviled Eggs!
How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 6-12 large eggs
- water
Instructions
- Add about 3" of water to the bottom of a pot and bring the water to a boil.
- Place a steamer basket over the pot of water. Place eggs into the steamer basket. Cover the pot and continue to boil the water.
- Meanwhile, fill a bowl with water and lots of ice, leaving plenty of room to add the eggs, so that the water won't overflow, and set aside.
- As soon as you cover the pot with a lid, set your timer and follow the times below for your preferred doneness.
- As soon as the timer is done, transfer eggs into ice water so they are fully submerged. Refrigerate eggs once cool and peel when ready to use.
Notes
- For a runny yolk and set egg white, steam the eggs for 7 minutes.
- For an almost completely set yolk and completely set white (my personal fave), steam the eggs for 9 minutes.
- For a completely set and firm yolk and white, steam the eggs for 11 minutes.
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These eggs really do look perfect! Hate when the shells stick. Looking forward to trying this method!
It’s seriously the best!! Hope you love it too, Chelsea!
Well now I need to to get a steam basket!
Would these also peel easily if I stored in refrigerator for later? I usually boil eggs to eat throughout the week.
Absolutely! I do that all the time!
Tried this technique yesterday and almost as soon as I put my eggs in one cracked open. Any suggestions?
Hey Verena! I haven’t had that happen myself, but I have read that it’s possible that they’ll crack if the eggs are too cold, so it could help to have them at room temp first.