How to Know When Hard Boiled Eggs Are Ready

Hard-boiled eggs are used to make dyed Easter eggs.

Eggs are not only a good source of protein, but they also taste delicious, and help to raise your good cholesterol. Regardless of the size or color, the egg can be hard boiled to use in different dishes, an appetizer or as a side dish. Determining when the egg is completely hard can be difficult, unless you know the following trick.

Things You'll Need

• Slotted spoon
• Flat surface

Instructions

1. Simmer the eggs in boiling water for the time allotted for size. Medium size eggs typically simmer for 12 minutes, large eggs for 17 minutes and extra large eggs for 19 minutes, according to What's Cooking America.

2. Remove the pot from the heat source, and use a slotted spoon to scoop up one egg. Move the spoon away from the pot to avoid resting the egg in steam. Count to eight. If the egg is completely dry at the end of eight seconds, it is hard boiled.

3. Spin the egg, like a toy spinning top, on a flat, level surface to determine if the egg is hard-boiled throughout. If the egg spins quickly and does not roll away, it is hard boiled. If the egg starts to roll or wobble instead of spinning quickly, it is not hard boiled.

Tips & Warnings

• Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to pot of eggs while cooking to help remove the shell easily.

• Eggs three days to 14 days old work best for hard boiling.

• Avoid adding salt to the boiling water because this will cause the egg white to become rubbery.

• Avoid cooking eggs that are cracked.

References

• What's Cooking America: Boiled Eggs - How To Boil Eggs - How Long To Boil Eggs

Resources

• The American Egg Board