Why do I always have a tough time peeling hard boiled eggs?

Question

I cover the eggs in water with an inch above, bring it to a boil, cover and let stand for 18 minutes. I crack the thick end then peel them under cold running water. Does the age of the eggs matter? I have eggs bought today and eggs from a few days ago, which should I use? I want my deviled eggs to turn out perfect, a little help please?

Thanks for all the quick answers!

By the way, who gave me a thumbs down? My question was polite and thorough. HMPH.

Answer 1

I was taught to boil with salt then run under cold water. I never have a problem if I do that! Good luck!

Answer 2

Okay i actually know the answer to this question! First of all, when you try to peel them, it seems like the shell is stuck to the cooked part of the egg doesn't it? Well, if this happens, it means that the egg was not cooked all the way. So, just pop the other eggs that you didn't peel yet into some boiling water for just a little longer. You should have better luck when the eggs get a little more cooked.

Answer 3

You should boil the older eggs. You notice that there is a little membrane between the egg white and the shell? The fresher the egg, the tighter the membrane will be. So as it ages, it pulls itself away from the shell. If they are over a week old or even 2 weeks old, they will be fine to boil. Otherwise your technique sounds perfect! OH...Deviled eggs...I use dill relish, a dash or horseradish and mayo and put the mix in a sandwich bag. You cut the end and then you can just squeeze the yellow mix into the hollow egg..sprinkle with paprika! Blessedholiday!

Answer 4

ok

first, it's 9 minutes, not 18. Try 9 for a start. I hate to think what eggs can taste like after 18 minutes (and I guarantee they're very hard already after 9 minutes)

second, what works best for me is not to just leave them under running cold water, but rather let them rest in standing, cold water. This way they get cooled more thoroughly and brutally, and this seems to help a lot with the peeling.

and as a side benefit, you'll be saving a lot of water.

Answer 5

I very seldom have problems and love making deviled eggs. this is what i do ...let eggs boil for about 10 minutes them emerse them in cold water and keep changing water as the heat from eggs changes temp. let sit in cold water for about 10 minutes. then tap eggs on counter in couple of places and start to peel. be careful not to pinch at the inner skin.you can also leave in fridge over night then bring to room temp and peel . You shouldn''t have any problemThe age of eggs should not matter (within reason )

Answer 6

I throw salt in the water as they boil. When they are finished boiling then put the eggs in a bowl with ice and cold water covering them and throw them in the fridge for an hour or so. They always peel perfectly.
Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

Answer 7

The egg needs to be completely cooked. The 18 minute thing, to me, is not long enough. Leave them boiling for at least 20 minutes. Take them out of the hot water and let them sit in room temperature for an hour, then let them sit in cold water for about 20 minutes and here is the best part................
roll them, don't bang the ends at all, roll them and while you are rolling them, press down a little. It should peel off in one fell swoop. I do it all the time and it works perfectly.
I love deviled eggs...mmmmmmmmmmmm....add a little spicy mustard to the mixture, it gives it a nice flavor to it.
Enjoy!

Answer 8

This is what works for me:
1 I cover the eggs with just enough water
2 bring them to a boil
3 when they're boiling decently, I lower the temperature to a simmer and cook them for 10 minutes.


I gradually lower the temperature to cool them in the sink. The trick is to peel them under running water . . .

Answer 9

I learnt a little tip and i hope this helps u...tap the egg on both ends gently just to crack them a little. Then gently roll the egg on the bench a couple of times with the palm of your hand and you will feel it fall away from the egg on the inside. Then u just lift a bit of the shell off and keep going as usual. I'm not sure if age really matters but i would use your old ones first...Mmmmm I love eggs...lol

Answer 10

I usually roll the egg on a plate so that the shell cracks and then peel the shell of in little peices. It works good for me. It takes my friend forever to do that though, so I guess it might be different for different people.

Answer 11

Yes it does depend on the age, unfortunently the fresher the egg the harder to peel. So the older eggs would be best for the presentation side of things but you also want your eggs to taste good also.