How to Boil an Egg

Having backyard chickens has challenged me to conquer all things “egg” as sometimes, the hens are very happy and lay abundantly. Because we always have fresh eggs, we are constantly looking for more ways to use them.

There are several schools of thought on how to boil an egg. And the way we like our eggs have evolved. As we are now connected to many different cultures through social media in this global economy and our cultures mix easily around the world. We are exposed to different cuisines, different ingredients and more cooking techniques and ways to eat than ever before.

It depends on your recipe, but ramen noodle soups and Japanese cuisine lean more towards the “jammy” egg. Where as it you are making a traditional egg salad, you should use an egg cooked all the way through.

I feel that bringing the water to a boil first, then gently adding the eggs, gives more control to the final product.

This photo shows the end product with each minute of cooking time added. Now keep in mind that I have used medium eggs, and that when you go towards a larger egg, perhaps a few seconds more will get you to your end product.

Directions:

First, if you have the time, bring the eggs to room temperature.

Fill a pot of water sufficiently to cover the eggs by two inches when you drop them in. Bring the water to a full rolling boil over high heat. I feel that bringing the water to a boil first, then gently adding the eggs, gives you more control on the final product.

After the water boils, turn the heat down to simmer. Add you eggs. I like to use a hand held strainer to gently lower them in. Set the timer. Make sure the eggs come back to a slow simmer so they do not break.

In the meantime. Place a colander in your sink to drain the eggs and fill a bowl with ice and water to then put the eggs in after they are drained to stop the process of cooking.

Wait at least 5 minutes until your eggs have cooled. Try to peel the eggs within the next 20-30 minutes under running water. If you wait too long, then the eggs will be more difficult to peel.

The eggs that are only cooked 7-8 minutes will require you to peel them slower and gently with more care taken not to nick the egg white.

Fresher eggs will be more difficult to peel than those that are purchased at the grocery store.

Voila! All Done!