Boiled eggs can be a quick snack that you can take on the go. However, you need to make sure that the eggs are done before cracking the shell and digging it. Here’s how to gauge the doneness of a boiled egg.
Timing is everything
You’ll want to start by boiling a pot of water and waiting for it to come to a rolling boil before placing the eggs in. From there, keep a timer handy so that you know when to pull them out. People have different preferences when it comes to boiled eggs, so it helps to time them precisely. Cooking them for eight to ten minutes will give you a firm white and a bright gold yolk. Ten to 12 minutes will yield a yolk that is fully cooked, while 12 to 14 minutes will give you a super-crumbly yolk lighter in color.
Testing one egg in the batch
If you’re cooking multiple eggs at once, you can take one of the eggs out, run it under cold water to cool, and then crack it. Cut the peeled egg in half to examine the yolk. If it’s still runny, then the remaining eggs need a bit more time, maybe 30 to 90 seconds. If the yolk is lighter in color with a greenish-gray ring, the eggs are slightly overcooked, but still edible.
Take the egg’s temperature
Another method you can try is using a thermometer to test the egg’s temperature. Take the egg out of the boiling water and wear an oven mitt or glove so that you can hold it without burning yourself. Then, insert the thermometer straight into the egg’s center. The temperature reading should be between 70 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s lower, then just cook the eggs for a bit longer.
Now you can make the perfect hard-boiled egg every time.