My Aunt’s Hard-Boiled Egg Hack Makes Peeling So Much Easier

This method results in perfectly cooked and easy-to-peel shells each time.

I always keep my fridge stocked with at least half a dozen hard-boiled eggs or so for fast, convenient breakfast or snack options or to make a batch of quick deviled eggs when I get a craving. Despite my love for them, I must admit that I’ve always dreaded peeling hard-boiled eggs—that is, until I found this fool-proof hack that allows me to seamlessly peel my eggs each time: steaming.

As a food writer, I’ve spent years of experimenting with various methods to make peeling hard boiled eggs easier, I've tried almost every trick imaginable: cracking the eggs slightly and then soaking them in water, adding a teaspoon of baking soda or vinegar, and even throwing my eggs in a cold water bath after cooking. But, it wasn't until my aunt suggested that I steam my eggs instead of boiling them that I finally found the perfect solution to my peeling foes.

Steaming eggs results in a perfectly cooked hard boiled egg that is easier to peel. The steam is able to penetrate the egg much more easily than boiling, allowing the shell to loosen from the egg white which makes peeling a breeze. And even better, the steaming allows for a more precise, even cook so you don’t end up with chalky overcooked yolks.

How to Steam Hard Boiled Eggs

The process for steaming your eggs is just as straightforward and easy as they are to peel once cooked. Simply add your steamer basket to a pot or large saucepan that is filled with an inch or two of water. Bring your water to a boil over medium-high heat and then gently place your eggs into the basket, cover, and then cook and let steam for 15 minutes. Once the eggs are cooked, transfer eggs into a bowl of ice water to let cool and then get ready to be amazed at how easy the shell comes off.

While this tip is geared towards a steamer basket, if you don’t have one on hand you can fill a pot with roughly half an inch of boiling water, still covering the eggs with a lid while they steam—for about 12 minutes.

With how easy-yet-effective this method is, I’m confident that steaming my eggs is the way to go from here on out. I’m so impressed with this method that I highly recommend egg enthusiasts to give it a try instead of boiling them the next time. 

Read the original article on All Recipes.