Steaming Hard-Boiled Eggs: How Long Should You Cook Them?

Steaming is an alternative method to boiling for cooking hard-boiled eggs. It involves placing eggs in a steamer basket or insert above boiling water, rather than directly into the water. This method is said to make eggs easier to peel, as the air from the hot steam permeates the egg shell, and the membrane is more likely to stick to the shell than the egg whites. The steaming time varies depending on the desired consistency of the yolk, but it typically ranges from 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs to 12-15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.

Steamer basket setup

To steam hard-boiled eggs, you'll need a large pot with a steamer basket insert. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your steamer basket for the best results:

• Fill a large pot with water: The amount of water you add will depend on whether you are using a steamer basket. If you are, fill the pot with enough water to reach just below the bottom of the steamer basket (around 1 inch of water). If you're not using a steamer basket, add just 1/2 inch of water to the pot.
• Place the steamer insert into the pot: Make sure the steamer basket is secure inside the pot before adding the eggs.
• Bring the water to a boil: Turn the heat to high and heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil. You want the water to be producing steam.
• Add the eggs to the steamer basket: Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat temporarily. Gently place your desired number of eggs into the steamer basket. For best results, arrange the eggs in a single layer if possible. You can stack them, but this may require a slight adjustment to your cooking time.
• Cover the pot and turn the heat back on: Replace the lid and turn the heat to medium-high. The steam will now cook your eggs gently and evenly.
• Set a timer: The steaming time will vary depending on how you like your eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs with a still translucent and bright yolk, steam for 10 minutes. For fully cooked hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12 to 15 minutes. Adjust the time accordingly if your eggs are stacked or if you're cooking at high altitude.
• Remove the eggs from the steamer: When the timer goes off, use a spoon to carefully lift the eggs out of the steamer basket and place them directly into a bowl of icy cold water or run cold water into the pan to stop the cooking process and cool the eggs.

Now you're ready to peel and enjoy your perfectly steamed hard-boiled eggs!

Boiling water and adding eggs

To make hard-boiled eggs by boiling water and adding eggs, follow these steps:

First, add water to a pot. You'll want to add enough water to reach the bottom of your steamer basket (about 1 inch or so). If you don't have a steamer basket, just add about half an inch of water to the bottom of a saucepan.

Next, bring the water to a boil. This can be done over high or medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully add your eggs to the pot. It's best to place the eggs in a single layer in the basket or pan. If you need to stack them, you'll need to add a bit more time to the cooking time.

Cover the pot and continue cooking over medium-high heat. The amount of time you cook the eggs will depend on how you like your eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, steam for about 6 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs with a still translucent and bright yolk, steam for about 10 minutes. For fully cooked-through hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12 to 15 minutes.

After steaming, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool them down. You can also run cold water directly into the pan to cover the eggs and quickly cool them.

Once the eggs are cool, you can peel them. One method is to gently tap the hard-boiled eggs all over to crack the shell and then remove the shell under a thin stream of running water. Another method is to crack the egg all over, roll it along the countertop, and then run it under cold water to peel away the shell.

And that's it! You now have perfectly hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel and ready to eat or use in your favourite recipes.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed hard-boiled eggs depends on several factors, including the desired yolk consistency, egg size, initial temperature, altitude, and cooking method. Here is a detailed guide on the cooking time for achieving perfectly steamed hard-boiled eggs:

The cooking time for steamed hard-boiled eggs can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired yolk consistency. For a hard-boiled egg with a completely solid yolk, it is recommended to steam the eggs for 12 to 15 minutes. If you prefer your yolks slightly softer, with a bright and translucent centre, 10 minutes of steaming will do the trick. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, 6 minutes of steaming is sufficient.

It's worth noting that the size of the eggs can also impact the cooking time. Larger eggs might require a slightly longer cooking time, while smaller eggs may cook faster. Additionally, the initial temperature of the eggs can play a role. Room temperature eggs may take slightly less time to cook compared to refrigerated eggs.

The altitude of your location is another factor that can influence the cooking time. At higher altitudes, consider using the higher end of the time range, as the boiling point of water decreases with altitude, affecting the cooking process.

When it comes to cooking method, the number of eggs you are steaming and whether they are arranged in a single layer or stacked can also make a difference. If you are steaming a larger number of eggs or stacking them, it is advisable to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

To achieve the desired doneness and consistency, it is recommended to use a timer and monitor the eggs closely. Additionally, as a helpful tip, you can remove one egg a couple of minutes before the estimated cooking time and break it open to check if it is cooked to your liking. This way, you can make adjustments to the timing for the rest of the batch if needed.

In summary, the cooking time for steamed hard-boiled eggs can vary depending on several factors. By taking into account the desired yolk consistency, egg size, initial temperature, altitude, and cooking method, you can adjust the timing accordingly to achieve the perfect steamed hard-boiled eggs.

Cooling the eggs

Firstly, prepare a bowl of ice water. Fill a bowl with ice cubes and then add cold water to create an ice bath for the eggs. This step can be done while the eggs are steaming so that it is ready for when the eggs are done.

Once the steaming time is complete, use a spoon to carefully transfer the eggs from the steamer to the prepared bowl of ice water. It is important to do this immediately to stop the cooking process and ensure the eggs are not overcooked.

Leave the eggs in the ice bath for at least 14 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle. The longer they stay in the ice bath, the easier they will be to peel. If you are cooking a large batch of eggs, you may need to add more ice to the water to keep it cold.

After the eggs have cooled, you can begin the peeling process. Gently tap the eggs on the counter or use the back of a spoon to crack the shell all over. You can then carefully peel away the shell, starting from the large end of the egg. If the shell is still difficult to remove, place the eggs back in the ice water for a few more minutes.

Once peeled, your hard-boiled eggs are now ready to be enjoyed! If you are not planning to eat them right away, they can be stored in the refrigerator. Unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored in their shells for up to one week, while peeled eggs should be eaten within one to five days.

Peeling the eggs

Once your eggs are cooked, it's time to peel them. This is often the most frustrating part of the process, but steaming your eggs will make this step much easier. Here's how to do it:

First, if you haven't already, transfer your eggs to a bowl of ice water. This is important because it will stop the cooking process and also ensure that your eggs are cool enough to handle. Let them sit in the ice water for at least 15 minutes before attempting to peel them.

When your eggs are cool, you can begin the peeling process. Start by gently tapping the egg all over. This will create small cracks in the shell, making it easier to remove. You can use a spoon or your fingers to tap the egg, but be careful not to press too hard, as you don't want to damage the egg underneath.

Once the shell is cracked, you can start peeling it off. Some people find it helpful to peel their eggs under a thin stream of running water. The water helps to get under the shell and lift it off the egg, making the process easier and less messy.

If you're having trouble getting the shell off, try peeling it in small pieces. Start from the large end of the egg, where the air pocket is, as this is usually the easiest place to start. Be patient and take your time, as trying to rush the process may result in uneven chunks of egg white being removed along with the shell.

With a little practice, you'll be able to peel your steamed hard-boiled eggs like a pro. So next time you need a batch of perfectly peeled eggs for deviled eggs or another dish, you'll know exactly what to do.

Frequently asked questions