Since eggs are my favorite food ever, boiled eggs were one of the first foods I learned to make as a kid. But, I refined my favorite method for these easy peel hard boiled eggs only a few years ago. As a scientist at heart, it was really fun for me to do the testing for this “recipe”. I went through dozens of cartons to get the perfect hard boiled eggs at different doneness levels… and a couple batches of oven baked bacon and air fryer bacon to go with them.
So even if you already know how to boil eggs — and I know many of you do — I hope you’ll learn something new. Because if you want easy to peel boiled eggs, the method does make a difference, and every minute counts for the end result. I have a time chart to make this easy!
The vinegar in the water makes the eggs easier to peel. Here’s why: The vinegar’s acid not only dissolves some of the calcium carbonate in the shell, it also helps the whites set faster. Running the hard-boiled eggs under cold running water as you’re peeling, meanwhile, helps the shell separate from the membrane.
Hard Boiled Egg Recipes
Now that you know how to boil eggs perfectly (and peel them easily) every time, I hope you’ll make them more often! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
How Long To Boil Eggs?
The time to boil eggs depends on how you want them done. After the water starts boiling, a good estimate is 7-10 minutes for hard boiled eggs and 1-2 minutes for soft boiled eggs, without removing from heat.
The Secret Trick That Makes Hard-Boiled Eggs Way Easier To Peel
FAQ
How do you boil eggs that peel easily?
Should I put vinegar in water when boiling eggs?
What do you put in the water when you boil eggs?
Can you add vinegar to water before peeling eggs?
You may have come across a recipe or two about adding vinegar to the water before adding the eggs. The addition of vinegar to the water is believed to make the peeling job easier. Since acetic acid, which is essentially vinegar, can break down the calcium bicarbonate found in egg shells, it is hypothesized this can aid in an easier peeling process.
What can you substitute for boiled eggs?
For vegans looking for an alternative to a boiled egg, substitute about 2 ounces of firm or extra firm tofu. The texture of tofu is relatively close to an egg while the protein and calorie content is similar. Tofu has no cholesterol and a range of nutrients similar to those found in eggs. For example, substitute chopped firm tofu for boiled eggs in egg salad recipes. For individuals allergic or sensitive to eggs, shrimp is a reasonable substitute. About 8 large shrimp weighing 6 grams each would increase protein from 6 grams to 11 grams, while calories would be reduced, and cholesterol would be cut in half.
How do you make boiled eggs easier to Peel?
The salt and vinegar did. Plunge the eggs in ice water. This stops the cooking process from residual heat, so you don’t end up with overcooked eggs. Also, some of the water permeates the shell, which helps loosen the bond to the egg white and makes the boiled eggs easy to peel. Roll the egg on the counter.
Does baking soda make boiled eggs easier to Peel?
Baking soda also helps with making boiled eggs easier to peel. Unless you’re making Easter eggs or decorating the shells, adding vinegar when you cook hard-boiled eggs results in slippery shells that slide away in sheets, leaving your boiled eggs smooth, even, and beautiful.