Follow these simple steps to perfectly boiled and easily peeled eggs:

1. Place the eggs in a pot: Carefully place your eggs in a pot, making sure they’re in a single layer to avoid cracking.
2. Add baking soda: Add about 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the pot for every quart of water you’re using. This will help make the shells easier to peel.
3. Cover with water: Fill the pot with enough cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch or two. This ensures even cooking.
4. Bring to a boil: Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Once the water starts to boil, lower the heat to a gentle simmer for about 9-12 minutes, depending on how well-done you want your eggs. For fully hard-boiled eggs, 12 minutes is perfect.
5. Cool the eggs: Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to an ice bath or a bowl of cold water. Let them sit for at least 5-10 minutes to cool down and stop the cooking process.
6. Peel the eggs: Once cooled, gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell. Start peeling from the wider end, where there’s usually an air pocket. You’ll notice that the eggs should peel easily, with minimal sticking to the egg white.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Peel

While the baking soda hack is the key to a great peel, here are a few extra tips to help perfect your hard-boiled egg game:

• Use older eggs: Fresh eggs are harder to peel because the membrane is more firmly attached. If possible, try to use eggs that are a few days old for the best peeling results.
• Don’t overcook the eggs: Overcooking can make the yolks turn greenish and cause the whites to become rubbery. Stick to the 9-12 minute range for perfectly tender eggs.
• Crack the shell under water: To make peeling even easier, crack the egg under running cold water. This helps loosen the shell and makes it simpler to remove.
• Store your eggs properly: Once peeled, store your eggs in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’re prepping eggs in advance, keeping them in their shells (unpeeled) helps preserve freshness.

Why This Method Works

The key to the success of this method lies in the addition of baking soda, which raises the pH level of the water. When the pH level is higher, the eggshell’s membrane is weakened, making it easier to separate from the egg white. This reduces the likelihood of the shell sticking to the egg, and as a result, the peel comes off much more smoothly.

Conclusion

Hard-boiled eggs don’t have to be a hassle to peel. With this simple chef’s hack of adding baking soda to the boiling water, you can achieve perfectly peeled eggs with minimal effort. Whether you’re making deviled eggs, egg salads, or just enjoying a healthy snack, this easy trick will ensure that your hard-boiled eggs are smooth, beautiful, and hassle-free to peel.

Next time you need to make hard-boiled eggs, remember this clever hack, and say goodbye to frustratingly sticky egg shells!