Steaming Eggs: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Breakfast Option

Steaming is a great alternative to boiling eggs, as it results in a more tender egg that is less likely to crack during the cooking process. The eggs are also easier to peel, as the shell slips right off. To steam eggs, add about an inch of water to the bottom of a pot, insert a steamer, cover the pot, and put it on the heat. Once the water is steaming, add the eggs and cover. Steam for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs and up to 15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Then, plunge the eggs into cold water to stop them from cooking further.

How to set up your steamer

To set up your steamer, you will need a steamer basket, a medium-size pot or large saucepan (about 4 quarts), and a lid.

First, add about 1-2 inches of water to the pot. You can also add a small amount of vinegar to the water, as the acidity is supposed to loosen the bond between the egg's membrane and the egg white, making it easier to peel.

Next, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Insert the steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid. Make sure the legs of the basket are propped up if it has collapsible legs.

Once the water is boiling and steam is produced, carefully place the eggs in the steamer basket using tongs and cover with the lid.

It is important to note that the number of eggs in the pot can affect the cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Additionally, don't overload the basket to prevent the eggs from shifting and cracking during boiling.

How long to steam eggs for

The amount of time you steam an egg for depends on how runny you want the yolk to be. For a runny yolk, steam your eggs for 6–8 minutes. For a nearly set, vibrant yolk, steam for 9–11 minutes. For a fully cooked, hard-boiled egg, steam for 12–15 minutes. If you are making soft-boiled eggs, one source recommends steaming for 6 minutes, while another suggests 6–8 minutes.

The timing may also vary depending on the size of your eggs, the temperature of your eggs, the altitude of your location, the vigour of the boiling water, and whether your eggs are stacked or in a single layer. If you are cooking at a high altitude, it is recommended to go with the higher times listed. If you are steaming room temperature eggs, you may want to reduce the cooking time by a minute or so.

How to cool steamed eggs

To cool steamed eggs, you should prepare a bowl of ice water, also known as an ice bath, before the eggs are done cooking. Once the eggs are finished steaming, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to cool so that they do not continue to cook. Allow the eggs to rest in the ice bath for a minimum of a few minutes before peeling. For cold eggs, rest them for at least 15 minutes.

To peel the eggs, first, gently tap them all over to crack the shell. Then, remove the shell with your fingers or by running the eggs under cold water and peeling. Rinse away any debris of shells.

Once your eggs have cooled completely, you can store them unpeeled in the fridge for up to a week. However, it is important not to peel them first, as this will drastically reduce their shelf life. If you wish to store peeled eggs in the refrigerator, place them in the body of the fridge, rather than the door, and consider putting a paper towel in the container with the eggs to reduce condensation.

How to peel steamed eggs

Steaming eggs is a great way to ensure they are easy to peel. The steam helps to loosen the egg from the shell, making the process much simpler and less frustrating. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to peel steamed eggs:

• Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and water. This will be used to cool the eggs after steaming.
• Once your eggs are steamed to your desired level of doneness, immediately transfer them to the ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and cool the eggs.
• Let the eggs rest in the ice bath for at least a few minutes. For fully chilled eggs, let them rest for at least 15 minutes.
• When the eggs are cool, you can begin the peeling process. Start by cracking the egg all over. You can do this by tapping the egg gently on the countertop or against a hard surface.
• After cracking the shell, roll the egg along the countertop. This will help loosen the shell further and make it easier to peel.
• Run the egg under cold water while peeling. The cold water will help to rinse away any shell debris and make the process cleaner.
• Peel the egg shell away. It should slide off with minimal effort, leaving you with a perfectly peeled, smooth egg.

By following these steps, you will be able to easily and effectively peel your steamed eggs, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable cooking experience.

How to store steamed eggs

Once your steamed eggs are cooked, it's important to store them properly to keep them fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your steamed eggs:

Cooling the Eggs

First, it's important to let the eggs cool down before storing them. Place the eggs in cold water or an ice bath for a few minutes to expedite the cooling process. This is important because placing hot eggs directly into the refrigerator can raise the temperature of surrounding items, creating an environment where bacteria can multiply.

Peeling the Eggs

You can choose to peel the eggs right after cooking or just before serving. If you decide to peel them after cooking, make sure to store the peeled eggs in an airtight bag or container. Adding a damp paper towel inside the container can help prevent the eggs from drying out. If you store the eggs unpeeled, make sure to still place them in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent odours and microorganisms from affecting the eggs.

Refrigerating the Eggs

Whether you've chosen to peel the eggs or not, always store them in the refrigerator. The middle shelf is the best place, as it's where the temperature is most stable and consistent. Hard-boiled eggs, both peeled and unpeeled, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, peeled eggs are more perishable, so it's best to consume them within a day or two.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

It's important to note that hard-boiled eggs should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can lead to spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, while it may seem like a good idea, freezing hard-boiled eggs is not recommended, as the egg whites will become tough and watery upon defrosting.

Signs of Spoilage

Even when stored properly, hard-boiled eggs can spoil. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming. If the egg has developed a slimy or chalky texture, or if it has an unpleasant odour, discard it immediately.

Frequently asked questions