How long to steam eggs for? (Instead of hard boiling)
I'm steaming eggs, rather than hard-boiling (I want the same effect), because it's convenient as I'm using the steam from some boiling chickpeas underneath.
But I can't seem to find a definitive estimate for how long to keep them steaming.
One source says 20 minutes. http://www.communitychickens.com/2012/08/the-best-way-to-hardboil-eggs-is-to.html#.Uk0oAX-aejs
I imagine that's too long.
Another source implies 7 minutes. http://whatscookingwithkids.com/2011/05/27/forget-hard-boiling-eggs-steamed-eggs-are-easy-to-peel/ (In the comments.)
And then there is the usual time for hard-boiling, which is 10 minutes.
I don't want to cook them any longer than necessary.
Best Answer
I like to follow Alton Brown's approach: steam for 12 minutes, drop into ice bath. Always turns out perfectly for me this way (and as a bonus, they're much easier to peel than boiled eggs).
Here's the video from Alton's show, with some extra information in it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUHKpHek2E8
And while unrelated (since you want to steam them), if you want to know everything there is to know about hard boiled eggs, this Food Lab edition on Serious Eats has you covered: http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/10/the-food-lab-science-of-how-to-cook-perfect-boiled-eggs.html
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Quick Answer about "How long to steam eggs for? (Instead of hard boiling)"
Place steamer insert inside, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add eggs to steamer basket, cover, and continue cooking, 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs or 12 minutes for hard-boiled. Serve immediately if serving hot.Can you steam eggs instead of boiling?
If you steam instead of boil your eggs, you'll end up with a more tender egg because it's been cooked more gently. The eggs are also less likely to crack during the cooking process because they haven't been banged about in a pot of bubbling water.Are steamed eggs the same as hard boiled eggs?
The only difference is that steam will cook your egg more gently, resulting in a more tender egg white and creamier yolk.How do you tell if steamed eggs are cooked?
You'll know that your egg is perfectly cooked if it has an opaque, yellow center. The yolk of an overcooked egg, on the other hand, will turn a greenish-gray color. Stick to the formula below for a perfect hard boiled egg, every single time: Place a single layer of raw eggs in the bottom of a medium or large saucepan.How do you steam eggs so they peel easy?
How do I steam my eggs?Steamed Eggs vs Boiled Eggs ...which is better?
More answers regarding how long to steam eggs for? (Instead of hard boiling)
Answer 2
20 minutes is perfect. I brought a large egg to room temperature and steamed it over gently boiling water in a tightly covered pot. After exactly 20 minutes I plunged it into ice water, waited one minute, then peeled. It was as perfectly "hard boiled" as I've ever seen or tasted. For what it's worth, I'm at sea level.
It makes me want to do deviled eggs! I think I'm going to do it this way from now on.
Be sure to read the comments on post meridiem's answer.
Here's a perfect "hard-boiled" egg, brought to room temperature, steamed over rapidly boiling water for 13 minutes and then plunged into ice water.
Answer 3
I steam mine all the time because it makes them much easier to peel. I own a restaurant and I'm all about easy and fast. I agree that 10 minutes is plenty of time for them to be done.
Answer 4
Bring the water to a boil first then cover and reduce the heat to med-high, not low then set timer for 10 to 15 minutes depending on size of eggs and how done you want the center. I like them slightly soft and do extra large eggs at 11 minutes. If you put everything in the pot then turn on the heat and start the timer you have to account for the time it takes the water to boil- thus the 20 minute time.
Answer 5
I steam mine in my rice cooker, start it up to make sure it's warm then I set it to steam for 12 minutes. It's nice because the steam basket fits nicely into the ice bath after and it's all easy clean up. Mine turn out perfectly every time, no green and no raw parts :)
Answer 6
Steaming should take about 12 minutes - variation possible for size, altitude, personal preferences. Science Friday covered this pretty thoroughly a while back. The key points being:
- Ease of peeling is due to cooking the outer layer quickly enough to bind the membrane to the inside of the shell.
- A cold water bath at the end only matters if you're looking for round bottoms for presentation purposes
Answer 7
20 minutes is the perfect time. I do it like that all the time.
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