Steam-Baked Hard-Boiled Eggs: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Treat

Steaming is a great way to cook hard-boiled eggs, as it makes them easier to peel. The process is simple: add water to a pot, place a steamer insert inside, and bring the water to a boil. Then, add the eggs to the steamer basket and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. The exact cooking time depends on various factors, including the size of the eggs, their starting temperature, and your desired yolk consistency. After cooking, it is important to cool the eggs in ice water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.

Steamer basket setup

To set up your steamer basket, start by filling a pot with water. You'll want to add enough water so that it doesn't boil off while cooking the eggs, but not so much that it goes over the bottom of the steamer basket. A good rule of thumb is to add about 1 inch of water to your pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a small metal colander or sieve instead. Just make sure that you can still cover the pot to prevent steam from escaping.

Place the steamer basket inside the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the eggs to the steamer basket. It's best to arrange the eggs in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cover the pot and continue cooking. The cooking time will depend on how soft or hard you like your boiled eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, steam for 10-15 minutes. If your eggs are doubled up or not in a single layer, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Once the eggs are done, remove them from the steamer basket and place them in a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

Boiling water and adding eggs

Boiling water is a simple task, but there are some intricacies to the process. To boil water, you need to heat it to a temperature of 212°F, at which point it will bubble enthusiastically and give off steam. It is worth noting that water can be boiled either quickly over high heat or slowly over medium heat.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to boil water and add eggs for a perfect hard-boiled result:

Step 1: Place the desired number of eggs in a pot. Ensure that the eggs are in a single layer and are not stacked on top of each other.

Step 2: Add water to the pot. The water level should be high enough to cover the eggs by at least one inch. This ensures that the eggs are fully submerged during the boiling process.

Step 3: Turn on the stove and set the heat to medium. Do not use high heat, as this is not ideal when boiling eggs. Cover the pot to speed up the process.

Step 4: Wait for the water to reach a full boil. You will know the water is boiling when you see enthusiastic bubbling and steam rising from the surface.

Step 5: Once the water reaches a full boil, remove the pot from the heat source. Do not turn off the stove, as you might need it again later.

Step 6: Let the eggs sit in the hot water for the desired amount of time. For hard-boiled eggs, this will typically be around 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the number of eggs and their size.

Step 7: After the allotted time, remove the eggs from the hot water and place them in a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

Step 8: Once the eggs are cool, gently tap them on a hard surface to crack the shell, and then peel away the shell under a thin stream of running water.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly hard-boiled eggs with tender whites and easy-to-peel shells.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for hard-boiled eggs in a steam oven will depend on several factors, including the size of the eggs, their starting temperature, the altitude of your location, and the desired yolk consistency. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve your desired results:

Cooking Temperature:

It is recommended to steam eggs at a lower temperature of 95°C (203°F) instead of 100°C (212°F). This is because eggs can be sensitive, and the slightly lower temperature ensures that the egg whites are softly cooked rather than bouncy or chewy.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will vary based on the factors mentioned above. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times:

• For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6 minutes.
• For hard-boiled eggs with a translucent and bright yolk, steam for 10 minutes.
• For fully cooked hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12 to 15 minutes.

However, please note that if you are stacking your eggs or cooking more than a single layer, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the steaming time. Additionally, if your eggs are at room temperature, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.

Achieving Desired Yolk Consistency:

Everyone has their preference for yolk consistency. Here is a guide to help you achieve your desired level of doneness:

• 7.5 minutes: Whites set but fairly soft; yolks barely set with a tiny bit of run in the centre.
• 8 minutes: Whites softly set; yolks set but quite fudgy.
• 10 minutes: Whites fully set and firm; yolks mostly set with a little bright orange left in the middle.
• 12 minutes: Whites very firm, yolks fully cooked and crumbly/chalky.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Use a stainless steel pan or rack to cook the eggs, as thick ceramic or glass cooking vessels can alter the cooking time and lead to uneven cooking.
• Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before steaming for more accurate cooking times.
• Freshness matters! The easier it will be to peel the eggs, the fresher they are.

Cooling and peeling

Once your eggs are steamed to your liking, it's time to cool them down. The best way to do this is to place the eggs in a bowl of ice water. You can also run cold water directly into the pan to cover the eggs and quickly cool them down. Leave the eggs in the ice water for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Now that your eggs are cooled, it's time to peel them. First, gently tap the hard-boiled eggs all over to thoroughly crack the shell. Then, remove the shell under a thin stream of running water. The water helps to get under the shell and lift it off the egg.

If you're not planning on eating your eggs right away, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. However, it's important to note that peeled eggs should only be stored for up to one day.

Storing

Once you've cooked your hard-boiled eggs, it's important to store them properly to keep them fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to store your hard-boiled eggs:

Firstly, it is best to store hard-boiled eggs with the shells on. The outer shell acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and helps prevent the eggs from absorbing odours from other foods in your fridge. Transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl of cold water or an ice bath immediately after cooking to help them cool down faster. This step is important as placing hot items directly into the refrigerator can raise the temperature of surrounding items, creating an environment for bacteria to multiply.

Once the eggs are cool, dry them thoroughly with paper towels. It is important to minimise moisture to prevent bacteria growth. Then, place the unpeeled eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable storage bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Finally, store the container or bag of unpeeled eggs on the middle shelf of your refrigerator, where the temperature is most consistent. They will stay fresh for up to one week.

If you prefer to peel your hard-boiled eggs before storing, you'll need to take a few extra steps to ensure they stay fresh. After cooking, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water or an ice bath to cool them down quickly. Peel the eggs under running water. Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and fill the bowl with just enough cold water to cover the eggs. Store the bowl, uncovered, in the refrigerator for two to three days. Remember to replace the water daily to keep it fresh.

Alternatively, you can store peeled hard-boiled eggs in an airtight container or bag. Place a damp paper towel inside the container to prevent the eggs from drying out. Then, store them on the middle shelf of your refrigerator. Like unpeeled eggs, peeled hard-boiled eggs will stay fresh for up to one week.

Other Storage Tips:

• If you're planning on eating your hard-boiled eggs soon after cooking, you can gently crack the shell before peeling to make the process easier.
• When taking hard-boiled eggs on a picnic or in a lunch box, keep them in a cool place and consume them within a few hours.
• If you wish to freeze your hard-boiled eggs, it is best to freeze only the yolks as the whites will become tough and rubbery. Spread the cooked yolks in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for at least three hours or overnight. Then, transfer the frozen yolks to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to one month.

Frequently asked questions