A small change in cooking method results in perfectly peeled hard-boiled eggs every time. Jacques Pépin suggests poking a small hole in the wide side of the shell before placing it in boiling water, rather than blindly hoping for the best. Yes, it really is that simple!
original author: Claire Low
You can slowly release the air pocket in an egg during cooking by poking a small hole in the shell. When peeling hard-boiled eggs, this seemingly small change makes a big difference. The egg white can stick tenaciously to the shell because of the trapped air, making clean peeling a real chore. However, the egg almost falls out of the shell when the air pocket is released.
Curious about how to make that little hole in an eggshell without breaking it into pieces? Rest assured, no specialized equipment or tools are needed. A simple pin or thumbtack can get the job done. To crack an egg, simply hold it firmly and poke a small hole in the wide end of the shell. To avoid damaging the egg’s structure, make sure the hole is large enough to allow air to pass through. When it comes to Jacques Pépin’s hack, stability is key.
Once the egg shell is cracked open, you can prepare it for its steam bath. To cook it, simply place it in a pot of boiling water and follow the instructions for hard-boiled eggs. Since the air pocket in the egg dissolves during cooking, peeling the egg is a breeze when you are ready to eat it.
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