Chef’s Clever Hack for Perfectly Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs | May 21, 2025

Is peeling hard-boiled eggs becoming a hassle? You’re not alone! While hard-boiled eggs are a healthy and versatile food, cracking open their shells can be frustrating. If you’ve ever dealt with a jumbled mass of cracked shells, prepare to be delighted by French celebrity chef Jacques Pépin’s secret weapon that will change your cooking forever.

Peeled hard-boiled eggs can be a major nuisance, with shells that adhere stubbornly to the egg white. When you try to peel them, they often tear, resulting in a messy situation. But worry not! Jacques Pépin has an amazing solution.

One simple tweak to your cooking method yields perfectly peeled hard-boiled eggs every time. Instead of hoping for the best, Jacques Pépin suggests poking a tiny hole in the broad side of the eggshell before dropping it into boiling water. It’s that easy!

By making a small hole, you allow the air pocket within the egg to escape as it cooks. This minor adjustment makes a significant difference when peeling. The egg white tends to stick to the shell due to trapped air, making it a challenge to remove the shell cleanly. However, with the air pocket released, the egg almost falls out of its shell when you peel it.

Wondering how to create that tiny hole without breaking the shell into pieces? You don’t need specialized tools—just a simple pin or thumbtack will do. Hold the egg steady and pierce a small hole at the broad end of the shell. Ensure the hole is just big enough to let air out to avoid damaging the egg’s structure. Stability is key!

Once the eggshell is pierced, you can prepare the eggs for cooking. Add them to a saucepan of boiling water and follow your usual hard-boiled egg instructions. With the air pocket dissipated during cooking, peeling the egg becomes a breeze.

The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity—it requires no expertise or special equipment. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, anyone can master this technique. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings when you want a nutritious meal or snack.

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