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Perfect Boiled Eggs

This recipe guides you through the precise steps to achieve perfectly cooked boiled eggs with firm whites and creamy yolks. By controlling timing and temperature, you'll create eggs with a tender texture and smooth appearance, ideal for breakfast, salads, or snacks. The process emphasizes gentle heating, immediate cooling, and careful peeling for the best results.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Universal
Calories: 70
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces large eggs preferably eggs that are about a week old for easier peeling
  • 4 cups cold water enough to cover eggs
  • a pinch salt optional, helps with shell integrity
  • ice cups ice for the ice bath

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Ice water bath
  • Kitchen timer
  • Hard surface or cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place the eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a saucepan and cover them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs.
  2. Add a pinch of salt to the water if desired, then place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
  3. Once the water is bubbling gently, start your timer immediately and cook the eggs for 9 to 10 minutes for a firm white and creamy yolk.
  4. While the eggs cook, prepare an ice water bath by filling a bowl with cold water and plenty of ice cubes.
  5. When the timer goes off, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the eggs into the ice water bath, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  6. Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes, which stops the cooking process and cools the eggs for easier peeling.
  7. Gently crack the shell on a hard surface, then peel from the wider end where the air pocket is to prevent tearing the white.
  8. Rinse the peeled eggs briefly under cold water to remove any shell fragments, then pat dry with a towel.
  9. Serve immediately for a warm, creamy yolk or refrigerate unpeeled for up to a week for easy snacks or salad toppings.

Notes

Adjust cooking time slightly for larger eggs or softer yolks. Always cool eggs immediately to prevent overcooking and ensure easy peeling.