How to boil an egg
Learn how to boil eggs perfectly with this simple guide, enhancing their flavor with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Ideal for salads, snacks, or breakfast dishes.
Cook time 2 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
2 eggs1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
Boiling eggs is a basic cooking skill that can be handy for a multitude of dishes, such as salads, snacks, and breakfast items. This simple recipe will guide you through the process of boiling eggs to perfection and enhancing their taste with a blend of spices.
Instructions:
- Gently place the eggs in a pot. Ensure the eggs are in a single layer to avoid cracking during boiling.
- Fill the pot with enough cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. This helps coagulate the egg whites and minimize leaks if an egg cracks.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the eggs sit in the hot water for about 9-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness:
- 9 minutes for a slightly softer yolk.
- 12 minutes for a fully set yolk.
- While the eggs are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water.
- After the eggs have cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the ice water.
- Allow the eggs to cool in the ice water for at least 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
- Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll them between your hands to loosen the shell.
- Start peeling at the larger end, where there's typically an air pocket, which makes it easier to remove the shell.
- Once peeled, cut the eggs in half or slice them as desired.
- Sprinkle the black pepper, paprika, and ground cumin evenly over the eggs.
- Add a pinch of salt if needed, to taste.
- Serve the seasoned boiled eggs as a snack or as part of a meal. They can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or cold.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can achieve perfectly boiled eggs every time. Season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin to bring out a delicious, unique flavor. Whether eaten on their own or used as part of another dish, these boiled eggs are sure to be a hit.
How to boil an egg FAQ:
For medium-boiled eggs, let them sit in hot water for about 9 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, aim for 12 minutes to achieve a fully set yolk.
Instead of relying solely on visual cues, use a timer for accuracy. After boiling, you can check the yolk by removing one egg and cutting it in half to see if it meets your desired doneness.
Yes, you can adjust the number of eggs, but ensure they are in a single layer in the pot and that the water covers them by about an inch.
Store boiled eggs in the refrigerator, either peeled or unpeeled, for up to one week. If peeled, keep them in an airtight container covered with damp paper towels to prevent drying out.
You can substitute spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or any seasoning blend you prefer. Adjust based on personal taste, but start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the eggs.
Tips:
- Start with eggs at room temperature to reduce the risk of cracking when placed in hot water.
- Gently place the eggs in boiling water using a ladle or spoon to prevent them from breaking.
- For softer eggs, reduce the boiling time to 6-8 minutes. For harder eggs, boil for 10-12 minutes.
- Immediately transfer boiled eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
- Peel the eggs under running water to help remove the shells more smoothly.
Nutrition per serving
2 ServingsCalories 81kcal
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 2.81g
Fiber 1.16g
Sugar 0.40g
Fat 6g
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