This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Steamed eggs might just become your new go-to method for easy peel, perfectly cooked eggs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a batch for deviled eggs, this hands-off method is a game-changer!
Nikki’s Recipe for Perfect Boiled Eggs
- Taste & Texture: Creamy yolks with tender whites—no rubbery texture or chalky centers.
- Ease: Super simple! No need to babysit a boiling pot.
- Pros: Easy peel every time (yes, really!). Consistent results and no green ring around the yolk.
- Considerations: You’ll want to use a steamer setup—either a basket or a built-in insert works fine.
- Recipe Worthy: 100%! It’s a little kitchen hack that makes weekly meal prep so much smoother.
Why Steaming Hard Boiled Eggs Make Them Easy To Peel
After decades in the kitchen, I’ve cracked a lot of eggs (pun totally intended). And trust me, there’s nothing more frustrating than a stubborn shell or a gray yolk when you’re trying to whip up deviled eggs or egg salad. That’s why I fell in love with this steaming method. The gentle steam works like magic—it heats the eggs just enough to loosen the membrane from the shell, which makes peeling a breeze. No more picking at tiny bits or mangling your eggs. It’s one of those small changes that makes a big difference in your kitchen routine.
This method fits right in with my love for stress-free cooking—simple, consistent, and saves you time (and sanity). Whether you’re meal prepping, making deviled eggs for a party, or just trying to get breakfast on the table fast, you’ll be so glad you have this in your back pocket.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Steamed Eggs
- Large Eggs: Room temp helps them steam more evenly.
- Water: Just enough to create steam—don’t let it touch the eggs.
- Ice: To chill down those eggs in an ice water bath, which makes peeling a breeze.
How To Make Steamed Eggs
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
1. Prep Your Steamer:
Start by pouring water into the pot, just below the basket—about 1 to 1 ½ inches deep. Place the steamer basket or insert into the pot. You don’t want the eggs sitting in the water.
2. Bring to a Boil & Add Eggs:
Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the water is simmering with some steam rising. Gently place your eggs into the steamer in a single layer if you can.
3. Steam to Your Liking:
Pop on the lid and set your timer:
- For soft-boiled eggs: steam for 6 minutes.
- For medium-boiled: 10 minutes gives you that just-set yolk with a little creaminess.
- For hard-boiled (great for deviled eggs): go for 12–15 minutes in a single layer. If you’re doing a double batch or stacking the eggs, go closer to 17 to 19 minutes. How many eggs you can fit in a single layer will depend on the size of your pan & steamer basket.
4. Remove the Eggs to a Bowl of Icy Cold Water (Ice Bath):
Using tongs or a spoon, transfer those hot eggs to a bowl of ice water.
Let them sit in the ice bath for about 15 – 20 minutes.
Tip: Want to make peeling even easier? Gently crack the big end of each egg and pop them back into the water for another 15-20 minutes. Game changer!
No Fail Boiled Eggs Recipe Tips
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to move eggs—no burns here!
- Slightly cracking the larger end of the eggs before the ice bath helps water sneak under the shell = super easy peel.
- Don’t skip the ice bath—it stops cooking fast and keeps yolks bright.
- If you’re at a higher altitude, you may need to steam a bit longer.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Recipe FAQs
Steaming eggs helps the shell separate more cleanly from the egg white because it cooks them gently and evenly. That steam creates just enough heat to loosen the membrane between the shell and the egg—so when it’s time to peel, the shell practically slides right off. No more battling broken whites or picking off a million tiny bits. It’s one of those simple tricks that makes a big difference
You can, but they might crack. Let them sit out 30 minutes first for best results.
Take one out a minute or two early, cool it quickly in an ice bath, and crack it open to check. It’s the best way to peek without risking the whole batch. That said, I’ve included steam times that are pretty spot on for most kitchens—so trust your timer, but don’t be afraid to test to be sure, especially the first time you are making them.
Storage for Easy Boiled Eggs
Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep—steam on Sunday for breakfast, salads, or snacks all week.
Storage: Keep peeled or unpeeled in the fridge up to 7 days in an airtight container or zip bag.
How To Use Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are a little kitchen superhero—ready to jump into just about any meal! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:
- Deviled Eggs: A Southern classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for holidays, picnics, or just because.
- Egg Salad: Mash them up with a little mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of seasoning for an easy lunch or sandwich spread.
- Chopped on Salads: Adds instant protein and richness—especially yummy on Cobb or chef salads.
- Breakfast Bowls: Slice them over grits, avocado toast, or even breakfast potatoes for a hearty morning start.
- Snack Time: Just a little salt and pepper and you’ve got a quick, satisfying bite.
- Ramen or Noodle Bowls: A soft- or medium-boiled egg takes your bowl to the next level.
- Potato or Macaroni Salad: Adds creaminess and heartiness to your favorite sides.
I love keeping a batch in the fridge—they’re like your meal prep secret weapon, ready whenever you need a boost!
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Hard Boiled Steamed Eggs (Easy to Peal)
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs, room temperature
- water, for steaming
- ice , for ice water bath
Instructions
- Bring Eggs to Room Temperature: Room temperature eggs tend to cook more evenly—just set them out on the counter 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Your Steamer: Add about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water to a pot that will fit your steamer—just enough so it doesn’t touch the eggs. Place a steamer basket or insert into the pot. Bring water to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the Eggs: Carefully place eggs into the steamer basket in a single layer if possible. Cover with a lid.
- Steam to Desired Doneness: Steam according to your preferred doneness.Soft-Boiled: Steam for 6 minutesMedium-Boiled: Steam for 10 minutesHard-Boiled: Steam for 12–15 minutesTip: If steaming a double layer or extra-large eggs, add 2–3 more minutes (17 minutes usually works great for a big batch for me)
- Ice Bath: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl of ice water. Let them chill for about 15 minutes. This makes the eggs easier to peel.
- Peel and enjoy!
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
