How to hard-boil eggs perfectly in a pressure cooker?

Question

Discover the timing and steps to get consistent, easy-to-peel boiled eggs.

Answer 1

To hard-boil eggs perfectly in a pressure cooker, place eggs in the cooker with 1 cup of water, cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes (depending on desired doneness), and then quick release the pressure followed by an ice bath. This method results in easy-to-peel eggs with consistently cooked yolks.

Detailed Explanation:

Hard-boiling eggs in a pressure cooker is a game-changer for achieving consistently perfect results. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker. This prevents the eggs from sitting directly on the bottom of the pot.
2. Add Water: Pour 1 cup of cold water into the pressure cooker. The amount of water is crucial for creating the necessary steam.
3. Arrange the Eggs: Gently place the eggs on top of the trivet or in the steamer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
4. Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes for softer yolks, 6 minutes for medium yolks, or 7 minutes for fully cooked, firm yolks.
5. Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, immediately perform a quick pressure release. This stops the cooking process and prevents overcooking.
6. Ice Bath: Carefully transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water). Let them sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle. This helps to stop the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.
7. Peel and Enjoy: Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel under cold running water. The shells should slip off easily.

Pro Tip:

For even easier peeling, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the pressure cooker. The baking soda helps to separate the egg white from the shell membrane.