How to Make a Hard Boiled Egg Easier to Peel

Properly controlling the temperature of hard boiled eggs can make the shells easier to remove.

Hard boiled eggs are simply whole eggs that are cooked in their shells in hot water. Although it sounds like a very basic technique, the shells of hard boiled eggs can be stubborn to remove. If you are too rough trying to peel off the shells, you risk inadvertently breaking the cooked egg yolks and whites. Carefully controlling the temperature of the hard boiled eggs can both make the eggs easier to peel and ensure the cooked egg remains the correct texture.

Things You'll Need

• Eggs (approximately one week old)
• Needle
• 2 tsp. salt
• Large pot
• Spoon
• Large bowl
• Towel

Instructions

1. Insert the tip of a needle into the bottom of each egg. The small opening will prevent steam from building up and help loosen the shell after boiling.

2. Add 2 tsp. of salt to the pot of water the eggs are going to be boiled in. The salt can slightly break down the shell and soften it, making it easier to peel off after boiling.

3. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Boil eggs as normal, then transfer them immediately into the bowl of cold water. Drastically lowering the eggs' temperature will make the shells firm and easier to grip and peel off, while keeping the inside of the eggs soft.

4. Pat the hard boiled eggs dry with a towel. Place each egg onto a hard surface and press your hand gently down on the egg. Roll each egg back and forth, then pull off the egg shell in strips and discard.

Tips & Warnings

• If you make hard boiled eggs often or in large quantities, you can make the peeling process easier by purchasing an egg shell cutter, a small scissor-like tool, from a kitchen supply store.

• Never use fresh eggs to make hard boiled eggs because the shells of fresh eggs are firmer than slightly older eggs and are less inclined to peel easily.

References

• Fine Cooking Magazine: Cracking the Boiled Egg Mystery
• Recipetips.com: Hard Boiled Eggs