5 Foolproof Ways to Boil Eggs for Easy Peeling Every Time

Learn 5 Foolproof Ways to Boil Eggs for Easy Peeling Every Time

KITCHEN TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Shari Smith

1/8/20252 min read

eggs boiling in a pot
eggs boiling in a pot

Peeling boiled eggs can be frustrating, but with these tried-and-true methods, you'll get perfectly peeled eggs every time. Whether you're making deviled eggs, salads, or just enjoying them as a snack, these tips will save you time and effort.

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1. Start with Older Eggs

  • Fresh eggs are harder to peel because their pH level is lower, causing the whites to stick to the shell.

  • For best results, use eggs that are about 7–10 days old.

2. Add Baking Soda to the Water

  • Adding 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water increases the pH of the egg whites, making them less sticky.

  • This simple trick helps the shells slide off easily.

3. Boil Eggs in Salted Water

  • Adding 1–2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water helps loosen the shell.

  • It can also prevent cracks by stabilizing the eggs during boiling.

4. Shock Eggs in Ice Water

  • Once the eggs are done boiling, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water for 5–10 minutes.

  • The rapid cooling causes the egg whites to contract, pulling away from the shell.

5. Use the Steam Method

  • Place eggs in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 12–15 minutes.

  • Steaming allows the eggs to cook gently and makes peeling a breeze.

Bonus Tip:

Peel Under Running Water

Peel the eggs under cool running water to help remove any tiny shell fragments and make the process smoother.

Why It Works

These methods focus on altering the cooking process to reduce the adhesion between the egg whites and the shell, making peeling easier and leaving your eggs perfectly smooth.

Popular Egg Accessories

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a refrigerator with eggs in it and a picture of eggshells in the fridgea refrigerator with eggs in it and a picture of eggshells in the fridge
a person holding a tray with eggs and a tray with eggsa person holding a tray with eggs and a tray with eggs