how long do I boil eggs for?

[Christine]

I am making hard boiled eggs for a salad and I can never remember how long to boil the eggs for...anyone of you Martha Stewart wannabees want to help me out?

[Alyssa]

Christine,

 

fill the pot with enough water to just cover the eggs, throw in some salt, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, let simmer for 15 to 20 min.

[thomastaci22]

My aunt says to boil the perfect egg you do this:

 

1. Boil water (very bubbly)

2. Put your egg(s) in the boiling water and keep them there for 3 minutes.

3. Turn off the burner and keep covered for 15 minutes.

 

This makes it so the shell comes off really easy and the yolk is perfectly cooked...good luck!

[Christine]

oh I let it boil first, then put them in, oops.

[Lilpaisley]

First off, place the eggs in the water and then place it on the stove. Don't put the eggs in while it's boiling, they'll break. I boil mine for 13 min and then put them in an ice bath asap.

[Christine]

wow isn't that weird how everyone does it differently.

[Lilpaisley]

Some of the time diff is because of the types of stoves. I know that I have adjusted the time when cooking of a gas stove vs an electric stove.

 

The ice bath stop the cooking and makes it easier to remove the shell.

 

I got my technique from the Joy of Cooking book

[LCBride2007]

isn't there something about waiting until they sink or float? i've never made hard boiled eggs (GASP!)

[Lilpaisley]

Don't know about the sink/float...but I know a quick way to tell that they close to done. Take the egg from the water and spin it on the counter. If it spins fast like a top its likely done. A raw egg spins slow and off kilter. Seriously...try it...it's so strange!

[monicabrandon2008]

I just do the plain ole boil them for 13 minutes and then go straight to removing the shell while I run it under cold water so I don't burn myself.