Gordon Ramsay's Unusual Trick For Peeling Hard-Boiled Eggs Makes Life Easier

Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be frustrating. Sometimes, the shell comes off cleanly, but other times, it clings stubbornly, leaving you with a mess of jagged egg whites. Gordon Ramsay, the renowned chef, offers a simple and effective method to make peeling hard-boiled eggs almost effortless.

The first step to easy peeling starts immediately after boiling the eggs. Once the eggs are done, remove them one at a time and plunge them into a bowl of very cold water or an ice bath. This swift cooling process stops the eggs from cooking further, preserving a vibrant yellow yolk and preventing overcooking. Even Snoop Dogg, who loves a good hard-boiled egg on toast, would approve!

Here's where Ramsay's unique method comes into play. After placing the eggs in the ice water for a moment, pick one up and tap its base (the wider end) against a hard surface, such as a cutting board, to crack the shell. Then, return the cracked egg to the bowl of water. As Ramsay explains in a YouTube video, "The water seeps underneath the shell, and you'll see the shell come off so much easier." A perfectly smooth egg white makes all sort of egg-based dishes look most appetizing.

To start, place your eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 9–12 minutes, depending on how firm you like your yolks. Next, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Then, transfer the eggs from the pot to the ice bath one by one. After a brief moment in the water, pick up each egg and crack the base on a hard surface. Return the cracked egg to the water to let the water seep under the shell. After the eggs have cooled a bit, peel them starting from the cracked base. The shell should slide off effortlessly.

Besides Ramsay's method, there are a few other ways to ensure excellent hard-boiled eggs. Use slightly older eggs for boiling, as they're easier to peel because the egg has taken in some air, which in turn helps to separate the shell from the membrane. You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water, which can help fresh eggs peel more easily. If the shell resists, try peeling the egg under running water to loosen any clinging bits. Check out some other hard-boiled egg hacks for your best-tasting eggs.