Steaming Eggs: How Long To Cook Them Perfectly?

Steaming is a great way to cook eggs, whether you like them soft-boiled or hard-boiled. It's a simple and quick process that requires minimal cooking equipment and delivers an egg dish that is soft and creamy. The steaming time varies depending on the size of the eggs, the initial temperature of the eggs, the altitude of your location, the vigour of the boiling water, and whether the eggs are stacked or in a single layer. The yolk goes from runny to firm somewhere between the 6 to 8-minute mark, while 12 minutes will give you completely set yolks.

Steaming time varies depending on altitude, egg size, and desired yolk texture

The time it takes to steam an egg varies depending on a number of factors, including altitude, egg size, and the desired yolk texture.

Altitude plays a role in steaming eggs because water boils at different temperatures at higher altitudes, which can affect the cooking time. For example, if you are at a higher altitude, the water will take longer to boil and may not reach the same temperature as it would at sea level. This can result in a longer steaming time for eggs.

The size of the egg also matters. Larger eggs, such as extra-large or jumbo, will take longer to steam than smaller eggs. Even within the same carton, there can be variation in egg sizes, so it is important to consider the size when determining the steaming time.

The desired yolk texture is another factor that affects steaming time. For a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, steaming time can range from 6 to 8 minutes. For a medium-set yolk, steaming time is typically between 8 and 9 minutes. If you prefer your yolks completely set, you should steam the eggs for 12 minutes or more.

It's worth noting that the initial temperature of the eggs, the intensity of the boiling water, and whether the eggs are stacked or in a single layer can also impact the steaming time. Therefore, it may take some experimentation to find the perfect timing for your specific situation.

Use a steamer basket or a regular pot with a lid

Steaming eggs is a great way to cook them gently and evenly, resulting in perfectly tender eggs that are easy to peel. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam eggs using a steamer basket or a regular pot with a lid:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

If you have a steamer basket, fill a saucepan with about an inch of water, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, simply fill the bottom of a saucepan with half an inch of water.

Step 2: Heat the Water

Place your saucepan on high heat and bring the water to a boil. It's important to wait until the water is boiling and producing steam before adding the eggs.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Once the water is boiling, gently place your desired number of eggs at the bottom of the steamer basket or directly into the pan if you're using a regular pot. It's best to arrange the eggs in a single layer if possible, but you can stack them if needed. Just keep in mind that stacking may require a slight adjustment to the cooking time.

Step 4: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to medium-high. Set a timer depending on your desired doneness:

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

Please note that the steaming time may vary based on factors such as egg size, initial temperature, altitude, and your preferred level of doneness. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect timing for your specific situation.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

After steaming, carefully remove the eggs from the pot using a spoon or tongs and place them in a bowl of icy cold water. This step helps stop the cooking process and ensures the eggs are easy to handle. You can also run cold water directly into the pan to quickly cool the eggs.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy

Once the eggs are cooled, you can peel them and use them in your favourite recipes or enjoy them as is with a sprinkle of salt. Steamed eggs are perfect for deviled eggs or any dish that requires beautifully peeled eggs.

For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6-9 minutes

Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious treat, and steaming is a great way to cook them. If you're aiming for a soft-boiled egg, you'll want to steam your eggs for 6-9 minutes. This will give you an egg with a runny to medium-set yolk, perfect for dipping soldiers into!

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect soft-boiled steamed egg:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

You'll need a pot with about an inch of water, a steamer basket, and a lid. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a saucepan and carefully place the eggs directly into the water.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Cover the pot with the lid to help build up the steam. Once the water is boiling vigorously, you're ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Carefully place your desired number of eggs into the steamer basket or directly into the saucepan. If using a steamer basket, it's best to arrange the eggs in a single layer if possible. You can stack them, but this may require a little extra cooking time.

Step 4: Steam the Eggs

Cover the pot and keep it over high heat. For soft-boiled eggs, you'll want to steam the eggs for 6-9 minutes. If you prefer your yolks on the runnier side, aim for 6-7 minutes. For a more medium-set yolk, go for 8-9 minutes.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

After steaming, carefully remove the eggs from the steamer basket or pot and place them into a bowl of cold water or ice water. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to handle and peel. Let them cool for a few minutes before peeling.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy

Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, carefully peel away the shell. You can use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to gently tap and crack the shell all over, then start peeling. Enjoy your soft-boiled egg as is, or season with a little salt and pepper to taste.

Remember, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on factors such as the number of eggs you're cooking, their size, and your altitude. Always keep an eye on your eggs while steaming to ensure they don't overcook. Happy cooking!

For hard-boiled eggs, steam for 10-15 minutes

Steaming is a great way to cook hard-boiled eggs, and it only takes 10-15 minutes! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect hard-boiled steamed eggs:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Firstly, gather your equipment: a pot, a steamer basket, and a spoon or tongs for handling the eggs. If you don't have a steamer basket, don't worry—you can still steam your eggs!

Step 2: Prepare the Pot and Steamer Basket

Fill the pot with water. If you are using a steamer basket, fill the pot with enough water to reach the bottom of the basket (about 1 inch or so). If you're not using a steamer basket, a 1/2-inch of water in the pot will do.

Step 3: Heat the Water and Add Eggs

Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil and starts producing steam. Once the water is boiling, carefully place your desired number of eggs at the bottom of the steamer basket or directly into the pan if you're not using a basket. It's best to arrange the eggs in a single layer if possible, but you can stack them if needed. Just be aware that you may need to add a little extra cooking time if you stack the eggs.

Step 4: Set the Timer and Steam the Eggs

Cover the pot and set your timer for 10-15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. The exact steaming time may vary depending on various factors, including the size of your eggs, their initial temperature, your location's altitude, the vigor of the boiling water, and whether the eggs are stacked or in a single layer.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

Once the timer goes off, remove the eggs from the steamer using a spoon or tongs and place them in a bowl of icy cold water or run cold water directly into the pan to quickly cool them down. This step helps ensure your eggs are perfectly shaped and easy to peel.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy!

After cooling the eggs, you can peel them and use them in your favourite recipes or enjoy them plain with a sprinkle of salt.

And that's it! You now have perfectly hard-boiled steamed eggs that are easy to peel and delicious to eat. Enjoy!

To cool, place eggs in ice water for 10-15 minutes

To cool your freshly steamed eggs, fill a bowl with ice-cold water and carefully place the eggs inside. Leave them to cool for 10-15 minutes. This method ensures the eggs come out perfectly shaped, with no air-space indentations on their fat ends. It also makes for easy, divot-free peeling.

If you are cooking a large batch of eggs, you may need to prepare two bowls of ice water to ensure the water remains cold. You can also add a tray of ice cubes to the bowl to keep the water cold.

If you are in a hurry, you can leave the eggs in the ice water for a shorter period, but they may not be completely cooled. You can also run the eggs under cold water and peel them immediately. This will also make them easier to peel.

Frequently asked questions