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Poke the Hole: Gently hold the egg and use your tool to make a small hole in the wider end of the shell, where the air pocket is located. This allows the air to escape as the egg cooks.
Be Gentle: The hole should be small enough to let the air out but not so large that it compromises the egg’s structure. A light touch is key to preventing any cracks.
Cooking Your Eggs to Perfection
Once your eggs are prepped with a small hole, follow these steps for ideal cooking:
Boil the Water First: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil before adding the eggs. This helps control the cooking time more accurately.
Lower the Eggs Gently: Use a slotted spoon to lower the eggs into the boiling water carefully, which helps prevent cracking and ensures even cooking.
Cooking Time:
For soft-boiled eggs: Cook for 6 minutes.
For medium-boiled eggs: Cook for 8–9 minutes.
For hard-boiled eggs: Cook for 10–12 minutes, adjusting based on how firm you like your yolks.
Use an Ice Bath for Easy Peeling: After cooking, transfer the eggs immediately into an ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and further loosens the shells, making peeling even easier.
Conclusion
By using Jacques Pépin’s clever hack of poking a small hole in the eggshell, you can easily avoid the frustration of peeling stubborn eggs. Whether you prefer your eggs soft, medium, or hard-boiled, this technique ensures smooth, perfectly peeled eggs every time. Say goodbye to messy shells and enjoy your hard-boiled eggs hassle-free!
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