Hard-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Durs)
The hard-boiled egg is a kitchen staple: a firm white and a fully set yolk, with no greyish-green ring and no rubbery texture. It all comes down to timing — about 9 to 10 minutes — and the ice bath that stops the cooking and makes peeling easy. Perfect for salads, devilled eggs, picnics or a quick protein-rich topping.
Original recipe : Femmes d'Aujourd'hui — Temps de cuisson des œufs
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- A large volume of water
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (optional)
- A bowl of iced water
Method
- 1Take the eggs out of the fridge 30 minutes ahead to limit cracking.
- 2Bring a large pan of water to the boil (add the vinegar if using).
- 3Gently lower the eggs into the simmering water with a slotted spoon.
- 4Cook for 9 to 10 minutes from the return to the boil (9 min for a just-set yolk, 10 min for a firm yolk).
- 5Drain and plunge the eggs straight into iced water for 5 minutes.
- 6Peel under cold running water: the thin membrane comes away with the shell.
Tips & tricks
- Don’t go past 12 minutes: beyond that the yolk develops a green ring (iron sulfide) and turns dry.
- Rapid cooling is exactly what prevents that green ring.
- Eggs a few days old peel better than very fresh ones.
Variations
- Soft-boiled (mollet): 6 minutes, runny yolk (see our recipe).
- Soft-boiled in the shell (à la coque): 3 minutes.
Storage
Up to 1 week in the fridge in the shell. Once peeled, eat within 48 h.
Ingredient substitutions
- Eggs : apple sauce (50 g per egg) or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water.
What to serve it with
- Crusty country bread
- A light main course to follow
- A glass of dry white wine (to taste)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make "Hard-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Durs)"?
Allow about 2 min of prep and 10 min of cooking, i.e. 12 min in total for 4 servings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it's an "Easy" recipe: perfect for beginners, with no special technique required.
Can I make "Hard-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Durs)" ahead and store it?
Up to 1 week in the fridge in the shell. Once peeled, eat within 48 h.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The quantities are for 4 servings. To adjust, simply multiply or divide the ingredients by the number of guests.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, "Hard-Boiled Eggs (Œufs Durs)" is vegetarian: it contains no meat or fish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written this recipe is gluten-free. Do check that any processed products you use are gluten-free too.
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