Unveiling chef secrets: How to boil eggs without the crack
Hard-boiled eggs are an essential part of many dishes and holiday tables. Unfortunately, cooking them can present some challenges. One issue is the cracking of the shells, which not only spoils the aesthetics of the eggs but also makes them harder to peel. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to keep eggs intact during cooking.
Cooking eggs is an art that can sometimes present problems. One of the most common concerns for cooks is the cracking of the shells during cooking. However, the best chefs know a simple trick that helps avoid this issue. Here are proven ways to achieve perfectly cooked eggs without cracks.
Why do eggshells crack?
There are several reasons for the cracking of eggshells during cooking:
- Temperature difference: Putting cold eggs into boiling water causes the air inside the shell to expand rapidly, which can lead to cracking.
- Invisible microcracks: Even minor damage to the shell, invisible to the naked eye, can weaken its structure and cause it to crack during cooking.
- Too high flame: Cooking eggs on too high of a flame causes the water to boil vigorously, which can hit the eggs and cause shell cracking.
- Crowding the eggs: Placing too many eggs in a small pot causes them to press against each other, which can lead to cracking.
how to boil eggs without cracking the shells?
The best chefs reveal their secrets:
- Remove eggs from the fridge before cooking: Leave them at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will reduce the temperature difference between the eggs and the water, minimizing the risk of cracking.
- Add salt to the water: Salt not only enriches the flavor of the eggs but also strengthens the shell and prevents it from cracking. Just add a teaspoon of salt to a litre of water.
- Pierce the shell: Use a needle or pin to pierce the rounded bottom of the egg. This small hole will facilitate the release of air during cooking and prevent the shell from cracking.
- Start with cold water: Place the eggs in a pot with cold water and bring it to a boil. Gradually heating the eggs will minimize the risk of cracking.
- Acidify the water: Add lemon juice or vinegar to the water. The acidic reaction of the water will strengthen the shell and prevent it from cracking.
- Use the right pot: Choose a pot of such size that the eggs are not crowded. Leave some free space between them.
- Cook eggs on medium heat: Avoid cooking eggs on too high of a heat, as this can result in cracking.
By using these simple tricks, you can easily boil hard-boiled eggs without cracking the shells. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more often you cook eggs, the better you will understand their specifics and the easier it will be to achieve the perfect result.
