How do you hard boil an egg?

[Saracen]

Okay, I know this is not exactly an advanced Cordon Bleu question, so let me add a little emphasis to the question ...

How do YOU hard boil an egg?

I know how to do it. In fact, I use one of three methods. I just wonder how you lot do it.


My methods have some elements in common, and some variations.

In common are :-

- eggs don't want to be too fresh. Preferably, a week old. Easier to peel that way.
- cover well with water, at least half an inch, preferably an inch.
- decent-sized pan - don't want them bumping into each other too hard, or they may crack.
- pinhole in round end - releases pressure, helps prevent cracking
- optionally .... add a little vinegar (1 tspn or less), helps prevent leakage from pinhole. Some people don't like slight vinegar taste, though.

and, after cooking ....

- drain, and cool rapidly in running cold water for a minute or two, until they're cold to the feel, then let stand for at least 10-15 mins in cold water to get cold. Prevents 'black ring' problem.




Now the variable bits :-

1) Bring reasonably gently to the boil, immediately turn down to a light simmer, for about 7 to 8 mins.

or

2) Bring reasonably gently to the boil, boil for 1 minute then cover and remove heat and sit in hot water for about 11-12 minutes

or

3) Bring reasonably gently to the boil, then cover and remove heat and sit in hot water for about 20 minutes (i.e. sitting in hot water for longer, but not boiling for that minute first).

All work.

Option 1) is fastest, but uses most power. Option 3) takes longest, but is most economical. Option 2) is a compromise between time and 'leccy used.


So .... how do YOU do it?

[DanceswithUnix]

Get water gently bubbling.

Make tiny hole in end of egg, usually with a knife point as I never have pins around the kitchen.

Use a ladle or something to put the eggs in without breaking them.

Drop in an egg timing device, one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0000CFGB5. That lets you just gun for it fast as timing is easier. Got mine from Asda I think years ago.

When timer says egg is done, ladle the egg out an into a bowl of cold water so I can start peeling it.

Chop it up into some buttered bread.

Hot runny egg sandwich, yum


Edit to add: Boil for slightly longer to answer the original question, I am just impatient and like eggs in a soft boiled sandwich.

[Shirty]

Stick em in the microwave for a few minutes









* N.B. Don't actually do this.

[Saracen]

I considered soft-boiled when asking the question, but figured hard boiled was complex enough, without getting into advanced territory.

Other than that, I'm with you ....

- bread, check
- butter (not spread), check
- chop up eggs, check
- construct sandwich, check.

I. personally, would insert "add some chopped tomato" between the last two stages, but then, I adore a nice egg and tomato sarnie. Which, by a strange coincidence, is what I am about to construct in, oh, 10 seconds or so.

Catch you all later.

And please excuse the slurping and belching noises that are to follow.

[kalniel]

Can't stand hard boiled eggs

But if I did, I'd stick them in the kettle (hidden element variety) with water, turn it on and leave them for 12 minutes once it's boiled (and switched itself off).

[aramil]

- bread, check
- butter (not spread), check
- chop up eggs, check
- construct sandwich, check.

I. personally, would insert "add some chopped tomato" between the last two stages, but then, I adore a nice egg and tomato sarnie. Which, by a strange coincidence, is what I am about to construct in, oh, 10 seconds or so.

Catch you all later.

And please excuse the slurping and belching noises that are to follow.

Really it just needs some grated cheese

[Dooms]

There are all the fancy way including the 10-15min method but I can never be bothered.

I boil the kettle, cover eggs with the boiled water, low heat, go and get ready for work and they will be cooked when I'm done.

[Scroome]

Forget boiling.

Poaching an egg from scratch. Now that's an art form

[g8ina]

Hard boiled eggs are easy, its getting them soft *just* right that's not.

Eggs in cold water, bring to boil, turn off leave for 7.5 mins. (depending on size).

And - chives please

[Saracen]

Can't stand hard boiled eggs

But if I did, I'd stick them in the kettle (hidden element variety) with water, turn it on and leave them for 12 minutes once it's boiled (and switched itself off).

Now that's pragmatism at it's best.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I usually boil it in water.

[stilkun]

Boil in water 5 mins at medium then cool it down in cold water. If lazy or don't have enough time, put in a small bowl and steam it in rice cooker on top of a small rack when the rice is nearly cooked

[sammyc]

Free-range eggs. Sit eggs in old pyrex pan in water just heated enough to take off cold & bring eggs up to temp before boiling for vague amount of time, drain water off & put aside to put on garden veg, run eggs in pan under cold tap leave for a bit & peel.

Sorry but couldn't be fiddling with making holes &c if you paid me.

[Spank]

I'm having a lot of HB eggs as it's salad season (well it was)

Boil kettle (have gas rings so it's quicker) put water in pan & turn on
When it boiling use a skimmer to gently place free range eggs (Tesco 12 for £2 medium atm)
put lid on until it starts boiling & leave boiling for 15 mins
Take off hob & put in sink
turn on cold tap until the water is cold in the pan & leave for no less than 30 mins.

[merdat]

I usually drop the egg into a small pan of boiling water with a little added vinegar leave for about 2 minutes then remove from heat and leave for about 3-4 minutes, then scoop contents into a cup with a little butter and mayo and mash with a fork before spreading on a couple of buttered rolls - very nice indeed.

[HalloweenJack]

wife said to me were having boiled eggs - after putting them on she then demanded hot passion right there and then , well not to refuse I happily said yes....


after our passion I asked her why .... she said the egg timer was broken and needed to time them for 3 minutes....