Steaming Hard-Boiled Eggs: The Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Steaming is a great way to cook hard-boiled eggs, making them easier to peel than traditional boiled eggs. The thin membrane between the egg white and the shell is more likely to stick to the shell and not the whites, making it easier to peel away. The egg whites are also less likely to fuse with the membrane when the eggs are placed in a steamer basket above the water, which does not lower the temperature in the same way that adding eggs to a pot of boiling water does. To steam hard-boiled eggs, add about an inch of water to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Place up to six eggs in a steamer basket, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes, depending on how runny you want your yolks.

How long to steam eggs for

The length of time you should steam eggs for depends on a number of factors, including the size of the eggs, the altitude of your location, and how soft or firm you like your eggs.

In general, steaming eggs takes longer than boiling them. However, steaming eggs results in more evenly cooked eggs that are easier to peel.

For soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks, steam your eggs for 6 to 8 minutes. For eggs with nearly set, vibrant yolks, steam for 9 to 11 minutes. For fully cooked, hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12 to 15 minutes.

If you are cooking a large number of eggs, you may need to double up the eggs in the pan. If so, you will need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

It is also recommended to prepare a bowl of ice water to cool the eggs down after steaming, which helps to prevent overcooking and ensures the eggs are perfectly shaped.

How to peel hard-boiled eggs

Steaming is a great way to cook hard-boiled eggs, and it also makes them easier to peel. But how do you peel them?

First, it's important to cool the eggs before peeling. You can do this by transferring them to an ice bath for at least a few minutes. This will also help stop the cooking process. If you want to chill the eggs through to the middle, let them sit in the ice bath for at least 15 minutes.

Once the eggs are cool, you can start peeling. One method is to gently tap the egg all over to thoroughly crack the shell, and then remove the shell under a thin stream of running water. The water will help to get under the shell and lift it off the egg.

Another method is to crack the egg all over and then roll it along the countertop. Then, run it under cold water and peel the shell away.

Whichever method you choose, you'll be left with a perfectly peeled hard-boiled egg!

How to prepare the pot and steamer basket

To prepare the pot and steamer basket for steaming hard-boiled eggs, start by adding about an inch of water to a medium-sized pot or saucepan. The amount of water added should be just enough to reach the bottom of the steamer basket when placed inside the pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can fill the bottom of the saucepan with about half an inch of water instead.

Next, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. It is recommended to use a collapsible steamer basket, which makes steaming eggs easier. Once the water is boiling, carefully insert the steamer basket into the pot if you haven't already done so. Cover the pot to trap in the steam.

It is important to ensure that the pot and steamer basket are properly prepared before adding the eggs. By following these steps, you will create an ideal environment for steaming hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel and perfectly cooked.

How to avoid overcooking eggs

Steaming is a great way to cook hard-boiled eggs without overcooking them. Here are some tips to avoid overcooking eggs when steaming:

Use the right amount of water

Food should be placed just above the water's surface to ensure a steady cooking temperature. The trick is to add enough water to produce enough steam to last throughout the cooking time. For best results, there should be about 1 to 2 inches of water in the pot, with the steaming basket sitting above it.

Choose the right tools

Use a pot large enough to hold the number of eggs you want to cook. A deeper pot is better, as shallow pans won't have room for the steamer basket. A heavy-bottomed pot will circulate heat more evenly. A steamer basket is ideal, but if you don't have one, you can use a heat-proof plate or colander.

Bring the water to a full boil

Be patient and wait for the water to come to a complete, rolling boil before adding the eggs. Adding them too soon will extend the cooking time and result in overcooked eggs. Covering the pot as it heats will speed up the process.

Cover the pot tightly

Use a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside the pot. This ensures the eggs cook quickly and evenly. Make sure the lid isn't too crowded, as this can prevent the steam from circulating evenly. If you don't have a tight-fitting lid, cover the pot with heavy-duty aluminium foil.

Don't lift the lid

Once the eggs are in the steamer, resist the temptation to lift the lid. Allowing the steam to escape will lower the temperature in the pot and affect the cooking process.

Use a timer

Steaming cooks eggs at a constant temperature, making it easy to control the level of doneness. However, it is still possible to overcook eggs, especially if you like runny yolks, so use a timer to keep track of the cooking time.

Use an ice bath

An ice bath is essential to stop the eggs from continuing to cook after they've been removed from the steam. It also helps to set the egg white, making the eggs easier to peel. Place the eggs in the ice bath as soon as they're done steaming and leave them for at least a few minutes before peeling.

How to store hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a great, quick source of protein and can be stored for up to a week. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store hard-boiled eggs:

Cooling and Drying:

Firstly, it is important to let the eggs cool down. Place the eggs in a bowl of cold water or an ice bath for a few minutes. This will help them cool faster and also make them easier to peel. Once cooled, dry the eggs thoroughly with paper towels. It is important to keep moisture to a minimum.

Storing Unpeeled Eggs:

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored with their shells on for up to a week. The shell acts as a protective barrier, keeping the eggs fresher for longer, and preventing them from absorbing any fridge odors. Place the dried eggs in an airtight, hard-sided storage container or a resealable bag, and store them on the middle shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most consistent.

Storing Peeled Eggs:

If you prefer to peel your hard-boiled eggs before storing, there are a few extra steps to take. Place the peeled eggs in a bowl and fill it with just enough cold water to cover the eggs. Store them, uncovered, in the fridge for two to three days, changing the water daily to keep it fresh. To store for longer, place the peeled eggs in an airtight bag or container, adding a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Like unpeeled eggs, store them on the middle shelf of the refrigerator.

What Not to Do:

Avoid placing hot eggs directly into the refrigerator, as this can raise the temperature of surrounding items, creating an environment for bacteria to multiply. Do not store hard-boiled eggs at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can lead to spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Also, avoid freezing hard-boiled eggs, as the whites will become tough and rubbery when defrosted.

Frequently asked questions