How to Hard-Boil an Egg (Like a Pro)

Hard-boiling an egg isn’t rocket science, and there are myriad methods that will achieve the desired result. But some methods are just plain better. With this method, you should achieve a perfectly boiled egg with its shell in tact that’s easy to peel. It should have no dark edges around the yolk. In other words, the kind of hard-boiled egg that dreams are made of. No more rubbery, misshapen whites with the goo floating around the water.

Step 1

Place your eggs in a pot. Make sure you have a single layer. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch.

                      

Step 2

Turn the burner on high heat. As soon as the water begins to simmer, remove it from the heat and place the lid on. You don’t want a rolling boil at any point or you’ll get a rubbery consistency. Leave the eggs covered in the hot water for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on their size. Medium eggs cook in about 12 minutes, extra-large ones in about 18.

Step 3

Drain the hot water and replace it with cold water to stop the eggs from further cooking. Once cool, peel them immediately. Otherwise, store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. They’ll keep for a few days, but won’t be as easy to peel.