Expert Tips for Cooking Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eggs are a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal, especially when prepared as hard-boiled. They can be enjoyed on their own, added to salads, or used in recipes like deviled eggs. Perfectly cooked eggs require attention to a few key techniques. With proper methods, you can achieve ideal texture and ease of peeling every time.

Key Strategies for Making Flawless Hard-Boiled Eggs
Keep these tips in mind for quick, successful results.

Choose eggs from your refrigerator
Older eggs are easier to peel, so use eggs stored in the fridge for at least a week. Fresher eggs tend to be more difficult to peel after boiling.

Crack the shell uniformly
Lightly tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell all over. Then, gently roll the egg to loosen the shell. Start peeling from the larger end, preferably under cold running water or in a water bowl to facilitate shell removal.

Store unpeeled eggs properly
Unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to consume them within this period to enjoy freshness and safety.

Test the egg's doneness by spinning
Spin the egg on a flat surface. If it spins smoothly and steadily, it is fully cooked and hard-boiled. If it wobbles, it may still be raw.

Various cooking methods for hard-boiled eggs
Here are different ways you can prepare perfect hard-boiled eggs at home.

Boiling on the stove
Place eggs in a pot, cover with cold water (about an inch above the eggs), and bring to a boil over high heat. When boiling, turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes depending on desired yolk firmness. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for cooling before peeling.

Using an instant pot
Apply the 5-5-5 method: add 1 cup of water, set the eggs on a rack inside the cooker, seal, and cook at high pressure for 5 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes, then rapid release, followed by ice bath cooling. Peel once cooled.

Oven baking
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place eggs in a muffin tin to prevent rolling, and bake for about 30 minutes. Transfer to cold water afterward to stop cooking before peeling. Adjust temperature if necessary for your oven.

Air frying
Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (120°C). Arrange eggs inside and cook for 13–17 minutes based on desired firmness. Cool in an ice water bath before peeling and eating.

Choosing the right diet for health
Hard-boiled eggs are rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals. For overall well-being, pair them with balanced meals rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains. Programs like GOLO offer meal plans that focus on managing insulin resistance through appropriate food selections.