How To Make The Perfect Boiled Egg, Every Time

Though they used to get a bad rap, nutritionists now agree that eggs can be an excellent part of a healthy diet. Low in calories, chock-full of protein, and a great source of beneficial nutrients like choline, eggs make for the perfect grab-and-go snack.

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Egg yolks are no longer thought of as a dietary danger, after decades of being shunned for their cholesterol content. Today, modern science has changed the script, linking saturated and trans fat to high cholesterol levels, and not dietary cholesterol. That means egg yolks are back on the menu! The cholesterol found in egg yolks is actually used by the body for testosterone production, which is great if you’re a male trying to gain muscle. Plus, egg yolks are extremely nutrient-dense, providing vitamin D needed for immune and bone health, B-vitamins needed to regulate mood, and Omega-3 essential fatty acids that can help fight inflammation.

So if you have been avoiding egg yolks thinking that they’re bad for you, it is time to embrace the whole egg. Indeed, one of the healthiest ways to enjoy an egg is hard boiled, so put away the frying pan and reach for a pot of water.

How To Boil Eggs: Julia’s Way

If you want to know how to do something correctly in the kitchen, there is no better woman to show you than Julia Childs. Here is how to make the perfect boiled egg, Julia’s way.

You will need six eggs, a high saucepan with a lid, and a bowl of water with ice cubes standing by.

  • Place the eggs on the bottom of the pan and fill with cold water until just covered by an inch.
  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat, and then remove the pan from the heat and cover.
  • Let sit for 17 minutes exactly.
  • Remove the eggs from the cooking water and place them in a bowl of ice cubes and water to sit for two minutes. Save the cooking water.
  • While the eggs chill for two minutes, bring the cooking water back to a boil.
  • Place the eggs back into the boiling water, and let them boil for 10 seconds.
  • Remove the eggs and place them back into the ice water one last time. This time, they will stay in the ice water for 15 – 20 minutes.

This process may seem a bit complicated, but it will prevent unsightly darkening of the yolk and will make the eggs easy to peel. You can peel the eggs right away, and then store the peeled eggs in the refrigerator in an uncovered container of water for two to three days.

If you are looking for a faster, one-pot solution to the perfect boiled egg, than we will turn to the other Master Muse of the kitchen: Martha Stewart.

How To Boil Eggs: Martha’s Way

You will need 12 large eggs at room temperature, and a large saucepan.

  • Place the eggs on the bottom of the saucepan and fill with cool water until just covered by an inch.
  • Slowly bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat; when the water has reached a boil, cover and remove from heat.
  • Let the eggs sit for 12 minutes.
  • Transfer eggs to a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Eggs can be peeled and served immediately.

Tips For Even Better Boiled Eggs

  1. If you store your eggs tip-side down overnight before boiling, it will center the yolks, making for a prettier presentation if you plan on using them for deviled eggs.
  2. Adding a small splash of white vinegar to the water for eggs makes them easier to peel.
  3. Only peel cool eggs, never eggs that are still warm.
  4. Don’t use eggs that are extremely fresh. If you bring them home from the supermarket, you can use them that day. If they have just come straight from the chicken though, they are a bit too fresh for a perfect boiled egg. Poach them instead, or wait a week to boil.

Once you have a batch of lovely, perfect boiled eggs, you will have an easy and nutritious snack to grab and eat on the run. Top a salad with a boiled egg, or serve on a bed of rice or chickpeas. Enjoy with a couple of apple slices and a chunk of cheddar cheese, or make a delicious and healthy “deviled” egg by stirring the yolk up with yogurt or avocado. Whatever you do, don’t forget to eat the yolk for a truly nutritious treat.