Why Steam Eggs?
They’re easy to peel. They cook more evenly. Eggs are more tender.
The number one reason is that steamed eggs peel so easy! The egg shell peels away perfectly, it slides right off with minimal effort. The first time I tried it years ago I was amazed. I got so tired of egg shells sticking to traditional hard boiled eggs, and I had tried everything. Ice bath, salt, vinegar, baking soda, older eggs, etc. I tried every little trick the internet said it had and I’d still often end with scraggly, dimpled, bumpy, horribly misshapen and just sad looking boiled eggs. Because frequently the white just kept sticking to the peel. Thankfully, I came upon this method and I’ve been hooked ever since. I felt like a real chef once I figured out this simple steamed egg trick. I really think you’ll love this method too, it’s the best way to make “hard boiled” eggs! Who doesn’t love a simple trick that can make things easier in the kitchen? If you happen to be looking for Chinese steamed eggs, those are much different from these plain whole eggs, you can find a recipe for those here.
Equipment Needed
You will need a steamer basket. I have a few of these HERE that I use for eggs and steamed veggies all the time. If you don’t own a steamer basket, I highly recommend investing in one. I think of it as a kitchen essential. I’ve purchased a few cheaper ones in past years and they do tend to rust and fall apart. You’ll also need a medium size pot or large saucepan (about 4 quart).
How to Steam Hard Boiled Eggs
How Long to Steam Eggs
Eggs with runny yolks take 6 – 8 minutes. Nearly set, vibrant yolks take 9 – 11 minutes. Fully cooked through yolks take 13 – 15 minutes (hard boiled type).
How to Peel Hard Steamed Eggs
Really, you don’t have to do this any special way but one of the best ways is to:
Handy Egg Slicer
If you are looking for an egg slicer for steamed or hard boiled eggs, I got this plastic one at Ikea (pictured above. I believe it was around $3). I also just bought this stainless steel one HERE. Sure it’s easy to slice an egg but I like the perfect size and clean cuts you get with this little gadget. I’ve loved these things ever since I was a kid!
Helpful Tips
Bring water to a boil before you add the steamer basket (so you can see when it has reached a boil) and before you add the eggs. Use a timer. No guessing here because we can’t see what’s going on inside the egg shell. Begin counting down as soon as you’ve covered the pot with the lid. At high altitude go with the higher times listed. I’m at about 5,000+ ft and mine always take near the greater times. Keep fully cooked steamed hard boiled eggs stored in the fridge an an airtight container up to 1 week.
How to Avoid Green Egg Yolk?
To avoid that unappetizing darkish green exterior on the egg yolk just be careful not to over-cook the eggs. Also be sure to transfer straight to ice water once they are done cooking so they don’t continue to cook from the residual heat.
Ways to Use Steamed Eggs
Make Deviled Eggs. Prepare a simple Egg Salad sandwich. Toss into a Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad. Add to green salad, such as a chef’s salad or cobb salad. Smash half an avocado, spread over toast then top with steamed egg slices. Smash egg with a fork in a bowl, drizzle with hot sauce such as Frank’s.
