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Boiled eggs are a convenient and widely loved source of protein. Although it looks simple, not everyone can boil eggs with perfect results. One of the problems that often occurs is the difficulty of peeling the egg shell, which causes the white part to tear. In addition, eggs that crack when boiled can also interfere with their appearance and texture.
To keep boiled eggs intact and easy to peel, there are some simple techniques you can try. With the right steps, you can get boiled eggs with smooth and perfect results. Check out the easy way below!
1. Choose eggs that are not too fresh
Selecting eggs is the first step in boiling eggs so that they are easy to peel. Eggs that are too fresh are actually harder to peel than eggs that are a few days old. Eggs that have just been taken from the farm have certain chemical compounds in their shells that make them stick better to the egg white. Therefore, it is better to use eggs that have been stored for a few days in the refrigerator before boiling them.
Additionally, eggs from the cartons at the supermarket tend to be easier to peel than farm-fresh eggs. So if you often have trouble peeling eggs, consider not using brand-new eggs.
2. Let the Eggs Reach Room Temperature Before Boiling
One common mistake is to boil cold eggs that have just been taken out of the refrigerator. Cold eggs are more likely to crack when placed directly in hot water. The sudden change in temperature causes the gas inside the egg to expand rapidly, increasing the pressure inside the shell and eventually causing the egg to crack. Therefore, before boiling, let the eggs sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
If you're in a hurry, you can also soak the eggs in warm water for a few minutes before putting them in the boiling water to help them adjust to temperature slowly.
3. Add salt or vinegar to the boiled water
Adding salt to the water can help speed up the process of peeling eggs after they are cooked. Simply add a teaspoon of salt to the water before boiling the eggs. Salt helps loosen the membrane between the egg white and the shell, making it easier to peel. Alternatively, you can use vinegar. According to research, a teaspoon of vinegar for every egg boiled can help prevent the eggs from cracking and speed up the peeling process.
Vinegar works by coagulating the proteins in the egg whites faster, so that if there are small cracks, the egg will not leak out. This method is very effective in ensuring that the boiled result remains intact and is easier to peel after cooking.
4. Boil with the right technique
The way you boil your eggs also affects how easy it is to peel them. The best method is to put the eggs in the water after the water is boiling, not right from the start. However, be careful when putting the eggs in the boiling water so they don't break. Use a spoon to lower them slowly and make sure the heat is low so the eggs don't collide with each other.
To get the perfect egg yolk, boil it for 7-10 minutes depending on the desired doneness. If you want it half-cooked, just 7 minutes, while for a really cooked result, boil it for 10 minutes.
5. Cool Eggs Quickly After Boiling
Once the eggs are cooked, immediately remove them and place them in a bowl of cold or ice water. This technique is known as "shock cooling" and helps stop the cooking process and makes the shells easier to peel. This rapid cooling causes the inside of the egg to shrink slightly, making the shells easier to remove. Let the eggs sit in the cold water for 2-3 minutes before you start peeling them.
If you are still having trouble peeling it, you can roll the egg gently under your palm to crack the shell before peeling it. Or, try peeling the egg under running water to make it easier.
Questions and Answers About Boiled Eggs
1. Why do my boiled eggs often crack? Eggs can crack due to rapid temperature changes. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before boiling and add a little salt or vinegar.
2. How to make boiled eggs easier to peel? Use eggs that are not too fresh, boil them in boiling water, add salt or vinegar, and immediately cool them in ice water after they are cooked.
3. How long is the ideal time to boil eggs? For half-boiled eggs, 7 minutes is enough. While for perfectly cooked eggs, boil for 10 minutes.
4. Can all types of eggs be boiled in the same way? Regular chicken eggs can use this method, but for duck or quail eggs it may take some time adjustment.
(brl/red)
