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3- Boil and let cool quickly:
Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a pot of cold water, making sure there is enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Turn off the heat and cover: Once the water reaches a full boil, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how cooked you want them.
Transfer to an ice bath: Once the eggs are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes. The cold water stops the cooking process and also helps the membrane release from the egg white.
4- Gently crack and roll: Once the eggs have cooled, gently tap them on a hard surface to create cracks all around the shell. Roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell, then start peeling from the widest end where there is often an air pocket that makes it easier to get under the membrane.
5- Peel under running water: If you encounter stubborn pieces of shell, peeling the egg under running water can help. The water flows between the egg and the shell, which helps wash away small pieces of shell and makes peeling easier.
Why this method works
The key to peeling hard-boiled eggs easily lies in a combination of pH adjustment, rapid cooling, and gentle handling. Changing the pH with baking soda or vinegar weakens the bond between the egg white and the shell, while rapidly cooling eggs in an ice bath causes the shell to contract and separate more easily from the egg.
By using these tips, you’ll be able to peel hard-boiled eggs without frustration, resulting in smooth, beautiful eggs like the ones in the picture above! Whether you’re making deviled eggs, salads, or simply enjoying them as a snack, this tip will save you time and hassle in the kitchen.
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