How to Cook a Hard Boiled Egg Perfectly

When cooked properly, hard-boiled eggs can be both nutritious and delicious.

Hard-boiled eggs pack an impressive dose of protein in a convenient package. At one time maligned for their contribution to high cholesterol, eggs actually raise good cholesterol levels, making them an economical and easy to prepare option for a healthy meal or snack.

Things You'll Need

• Pot with a lid

Instructions

Boiling the Eggs

1. Place eggs in a single layer in a pot and fill it with with enough cold water to cover the eggs by an inch.

2. Bring the water just to a full boil, then promptly remove the pot from the heat.

3. Let the eggs stand in the pot, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Drain the water and serve or store the eggs.

Peeling the Eggs

1. Crack the shell by tapping the egg lightly on a hard, flat surface.

2. Roll the egg around between both hands to crack the shell all over.

3. Peel the egg slowly and carefully beginning at the larger end and working around the egg towards the smaller end. Run the egg under cool water while you peel it to make it easier to detach the shell.

Tips & Warnings

• Older eggs peel more easily than fresh eggs after they've been hard-boiled. If you are unsure of the freshness (if you bought them at a grocery store, for example) you can purchase them a week ahead of time and let them age in the fridge.

• Be careful not to overcook eggs, as overcooking can leave a greenish tint on the yolk, and a sulfuric taste to the egg.

References

• Incredible: Basic Hard-Cooked Eggs
• Simply Recipes; How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs; July 2007