LifestyleHow to prevent egg cracking: Simple tips for perfect boiling every time

How to prevent egg cracking: Simple tips for perfect boiling every time

Cooking eggs seems to be a very simple task.
Cooking eggs seems to be a very simple task.
Images source: © Getty Images | DmitryChernyshev

4:37 PM EDT, June 3, 2024

Regardless of how skilled we may be at cooking eggs, they sometimes crack. This not only affects their appearance but also makes them harder to peel. Can we prevent this? Yes, by following these two simple principles.

Though cooking eggs seems straightforward, it doesn't always go as planned. Eggs are essential for the Easter table and are frequently included in salads and various spreads. To cook them without cracking, follow these two easy rules, which many still overlook.

Add a little something to the boiling eggs

If you're an egg enthusiast wanting to improve your culinary skills, you should know two tricks to prevent your eggs from cracking. First, never drop eggs directly from the refrigerator into boiling water. The thermal shock will cause them to crack quickly. It's best to take them out half an hour before cooking to ensure they cook properly.

Secondly, and equally important, when you gently place the eggs into the pot of water, add a tablespoon of table salt or lemon juice. This will help prevent the shells from cracking.

Time is key

Another popular method for perfectly cooked eggs is to place them in cold, not boiling, water. Also, remember that the appropriate cooking time is crucial whether you want soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs.

When placing the eggs in cold water, cook them covered for a specific time. Soft-boiled eggs will be ready in three minutes, while hard-boiled eggs require seven to nine minutes of cooking. Cooking them longer will cause a gray ring to appear around the yolks, which is undesirable.