There’s something so satisfying about a perfectly cooked hard-boiled egg. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack, in salads, or as part of a delicious breakfast, mastering the art of making basic hard-cooked eggs is a kitchen essential. Today, we’re going to walk you through the simple steps to achieve beautifully cooked eggs with a creamy yolk and firm whites every time. Get ready to elevate your egg game with this foolproof recipe for Basic Hard Cooked Eggs.
**Basic Hard Cooked Eggs**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 large eggs
– Water
– Ice
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Eggs:** Place your eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a saucepan. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
2. **Cover with Water:** Fill the saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. This will allow the eggs to cook evenly.
3. **Bring to a Boil:** Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
4. **Remove from Heat:** Once the water reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat source.
5. **Cover and Rest:** Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the eggs sit in the hot water for about 10-12 minutes. This will result in perfectly hard-cooked eggs with a creamy yolk.
6. **Ice Bath:** After the eggs have finished cooking, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water using a slotted spoon. The ice water will stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.
7. **Peel and Enjoy:** Once the eggs have cooled down in the ice water for a few minutes, carefully peel off the shells. Rinse the peeled eggs under cool running water to remove any shell residue.
8. **Serve or Store:** Your basic hard-cooked eggs are now ready to be enjoyed! You can eat them as is, slice them for salads, or use them in your favorite recipes. If you’re not consuming them right away, store the eggs in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to one week.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to prepare perfect hard-cooked eggs every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or just looking for a quick and nutritious snack, having a batch of hard-cooked eggs on hand is always a good idea. Experiment with different cooking times to achieve your desired level of doneness, from slightly soft yolks to fully set centers. Enjoy the versatility and convenience of this kitchen staple in your culinary repertoire.
