This is not a recipe as such, but more a suggestion and a favourite technique of mine. Making really good hard boiled eggs is one of those things that eluded me for years and years. I would try to make them but inevitably they would end up way over done or (in my opinion much worse) way under done. My previous techniques included several renditions of putting eggs in a pot with some water and boiling the heck out of them for varying amounts of time. Sometimes I started with the water already boiling, other times from cold. Disappointments were frequent.
I learned how to make perfect hard boiled eggs, I'll admit, from watching Rachel Ray on TV. While I'm sure she didn't exactly invent the technique I'll credit her here as the source.
I like a hard boiled egg chopped up in a salad or in egg salad sandwiches, and I've recently (!) been introduced to deviled eggs, of which I am now a fan. You're going to need some hard boiled eggs for the next recipe, so I thought I would post this how-to tutorial now so everyone will be good and ready.
And with that, I'm off to London for the weekend to celebrate the marriage of my sister, Emily, and her new husband, Andy, one more time.
One year ago: Curious Porridge
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe:
source: Rachel Ray
"Perfect" is a pretty big word when it comes to food. My perfect hard boiled egg and your perfect hard boiled egg may not be exactly the same. I tend to prefer my hard boiled eggs a little more on the well done side. Paul, on the other hand, prefers his a little under done. You can adjust your sitting time accordingly. Use the very best eggs you can get your hands on.
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Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Place the pot, uncovered, on your stove and turn the burner to high. Once the water has come to a *rolling* boil, turn the heat off and place a lid on your pot. Let sit for 10 minutes for well done eggs, and 8 minutes for slightly less well done eggs. Immediately drain the pot and rinse the eggs under cold water until they have cooled down. Use immediately or store in the fridge for later use.
Do ahead: hard boiled eggs can be stored in the fridge for about 5 days.
All text and photos © The Muffin Myth 2011
Dad says
Have you ever made 'pickled' eggs. As I recall I used to consume them during the 'beer drinking' stage of my life. Something for you to work on!!
themuffinmyth says
No, but I did see a manky looking jar of them at the Vesta bar the other night you could have dipped into.
Dennis says
Will this method keep the shells from sticking to the eggs? (Dennis can detect the tiniest bits. It is the only thing he ever complains about. That important!)
themuffinmyth says
Not likely. But, the fresher your eggs are the harder it is to peel the shells off, so the shell sticking is actually a good thing!
Cammy says
Me too! I've been using this technique since you taught it to me this summer. It works like a charm.
Rivki Locker says
I'm a stickler for 'perfect' hard boiled eggs too, and I use the same technique. Works like a charm for me!