This Trick Will Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Easier to Peel Without Having to ‘Shock’ Them in Ice Water
With Easter right around the corner, it’s time to get going on some hard-boiled eggs (though we love them all year round), but it seems we’ve been making the cooking process more difficult than we’ve needed to all along. Despite what you may think, “shocking” your eggs in a bowl full of ice water after they cook is a totally unnecessary step!
We were always under the impression that this polar plunge stops the cooking process and makes hard-boiled eggs easier to peel. Though admittedly, those shells have never been that simple to get off. But according to Claire Lower of Lifehacker, the frigid temps actually have no affect on the peeling process and a simple rinse in cold water will do the trick to stop them from over-cooking.
Yes, you heard that right! No ice bath. It’s music to our ears — especially when thinking about making big batches of eggs and not having to deal with unloading a bunch of ice trays, the juggling act of getting all those eggs in the bowl, and the mess that will likely ensue. It turns out, simply putting your eggs in a strainer and running cool water over them is all you really need to do.
As for the pesky peeling? Lower says starting your eggs in cool water is the problem. This seals the egg’s membrane to the shell, which makes them harder to peel, whether they are shocked in ice or not. Instead she suggests bringing your water to a boil and then putting your eggs in and covering them. Interesting, right?
So save the ice cubes for another day and start using this method when making hard-boiled eggs.
Cold Water Rinsing Method
Place your desired amount of eggs in a pot and fill it with enough water to cover them. Then bring the water to a boil, put the eggs in, turn off the heat, and cover the pot. Let the eggs sit in the water for about 15 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove each one and place them in a colander (Buy at Walmart, $10.98). Give the eggs a rinse with cold water for about a minute or two until the shells are slightly cool to the touch. Then you are free to peel and make a tray of delicious deviled eggs or dye them with the kiddos — no messy bowl of ice water required!
