Hard-boiled eggs are a delicious and nutritious snack, and are easy to prepare. The key to a great hard-boiled egg is getting the timing just right. Knowing how long it takes to hard boil an egg can help you to get the perfect egg every time.
Preparing Hard-Boiled Eggs
The first step in preparing a hard-boiled egg is to place the eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water. Make sure the water is at least an inch above the eggs. If the eggs are not completely submerged, the cooking process can be uneven.
Once the eggs are in the pot, place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Once the water begins to boil, it is important to reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for 10 minutes. Do not cover the pot while the eggs are boiling as this can inhibit the boiling process.
Timing the Boil Process
Once the eggs have been simmering for 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes. This will ensure that the eggs are fully cooked and have a consistent texture throughout the egg.
Once the eggs have finished cooking, it is important to immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the eggs from becoming over-cooked. Let the eggs sit in the cold water for at least 10 minutes before peeling them.
In total, it takes about 15 minutes of boiling time and 10 minutes of cooling time to properly hard-boil an egg. With practice and a keen eye for timing, you can get the perfect hard-boiled egg every time.