How to Peel a Hard Boiled Egg Easily

Hard-boiled eggs can be peeled with ease.

Hard-boiled eggs have a lot of appeal because of their simplicity. They are not messy to eat and can be transported easily. The one thing that can be difficult is peeling the egg. Many times the shell will stick to the egg and small pieces will remain on the egg as you peel the rest. You can spend a lot of time peeling off each little speck or miss some that becomes an unpleasant surprise when the egg is eaten. This experience can be made simple with a few extra steps when cooking and right before you peel.

Things You'll Need

• Saucepan
• Stove or hotplate
• Water
• Ice

Instructions

1. Pour cold water into a saucepan approximately 1 inch higher than the egg. Put an egg in that has been refrigerated and let it sit a few minutes so the egg and water are the same temperature. If needed, pour the water out and put in new cold water after you let it sit.

2. Heat the pan on a stove or hotplate until the water starts to boil. Remove the pan immediately and cover it.

3. Leave eggs in the hot water for 12, 15 or 18 minutes for a medium, large or extra large egg, respectfully. Timing is important so try to be exact.

4. Drain the water and replace it with ice water. Keep the eggs in the cold water until the eggs are completely cooled to prevent the shell from sticking to the egg.

5. Tap the large part of the egg on a hard surface, then turn it over and tap the other side to crack the shell.

6. Roll the egg in your hands with a little pressure to loosen the shell from the rest of the egg.

7. Run cold water over the egg as you peel. The shell should come off with ease.

References

• Choosing Voluntary Simplicity: Easy to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs
• Incredible Egg: Basic Hard-Cooked Eggs