How do I get hardboiled eggs not to stick to the shell?

Question

When I peel them, they cling to the shell and it's impossible to get a clean egg. I put them in water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat for 10 minutes with the lid on....

Answer 1

The method you used to cook the eggs notwithstanding, the biggest---and I mean BIGGEST---secret to easy-peeling hard boiled eggs is to use old eggs. Seriously.

Really fresh eggs have little or no air space between the white, and the membrane lining of the shell. After a week or so, some of the moisture inside the eggs evaporates, causing the membrane to shrink away from the inside of the shell. Naturally, you'll still want to keep the eggs refrigerated.

Also, after they've been cooked, immediately put the eggs into a large bowl or pot containing ICE-water. Plain, cold tap water won't do it; use an entire ice-cube tray worth of ice. The cold "shock" will make the eggs easier to peel.

Answer 2

When the timer goes off, drain the eggs and then plunge them into ice water. The eggs will crack and give you a starting point for removing the shells.

Also, I gently roll the cooled eggs on the counter

Too, there is a membrane between the shell and the white. That's what's causing the problem. I pinch the membrane and pull it outward to break the seal. Then they will be easier to peel.

Sometimes I put them in a bowl full of water and peel them underwater too. I don't run the faucet to peel them, that's not necessary and is a waste of water.

Answer 3

The perfect recipe (works every time for me):
put the eggs in the pot, cover with cold water.
bring to rolling boil, reduce to medium heat
start timing for 10 minutes as soon as you reduce the heat
at 10 minutes, immediately put into a container with cold water and ice
let sit 3-5 minutes
take out, perfectly peels, perfectly yellow insides
(taken from goodegg.com, see below)

Answer 4

I bring the eggs to a boil, continue boiling for 15 minutes. IMMEDIATELY pour hot water out and run cold water in the pan. Gently crack both ends of each egg and roll them against the inside of the pan to crush the sides of the eggs. As soon as you get them all cracked, peel them. EASY! EASY!

Answer 5

There is a very easy way to get the perfect hard-boiled egg. Put your eggs in the water with salt and bring them to a rapid boil. then shut them off and cover them for 15 minutes. Don't let them continue to boil. Take them completely off the burner if you have to. Make sure they are completely covered then after 15-18 minutes are up, put the entire pot under the cold water and let it run until the eggs are cool to the touch. the yolks will not be green and the shell will come right off. just be sure to run the egg under the water when you are done unless you like crunchy eggs

Answer 6

Let the eggs cool in the shell at room temperature for a few minutes. Crack the eggshell all over by rolling the egg between the palms of your hand to gently crush the shell. Then, start peeling.

Answer 7

I actually put them in water, bring to a boil, & leave them on the heat in the boiling water for the 10 min. I've never had a problem with sticking & I love hard boiled eggs.

Answer 8

One Tbs of vinegar in the water before boiling penetrates the shell and coagulate the albumin skin and keeps it separated from the meat of the egg. Peel under cold running water from the Large end (airpocket)

Answer 9

When you get the cooled egg out from the pot, roll the egg on the table cracking the shell, then peel it off slowly. That will do the thing well.

Answer 10

According to one of my magazines I just read..(may of been Rachel Ray??). You put the eggs on to boil. Once they start to boil turn them off and let them sit in the pot for 10 minutes. Then soak in cold water. This also prevents the yolk from turning green. Hope this helps.