Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe

Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings.

  • 1 cup water
  • 16 large eggs

Directions

Step 1: Insert a wire rack at the bottom of a multifunctional pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot. Pour in the water.

Step 2: Carefully place raw eggs onto the rack, ensuring they fit tightly. Close and lock the lid of the cooker.

Step 3: Select High pressure, following the manufacturers instructions, and set the timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build up.

Step 4: Once the timer goes off, hit cancel and release the pressure using the quick-release method, following the manufacturers instructions, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Unlock and remove the lid immediately, as leaving the eggs in the cooker longer may result in overcooking.

Step 6: Using a serving spoon, carefully transfer the eggs to a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Peel the eggs while still warm and rinse off any shell pieces. Use immediately or store in the fridge.

Cook's Note

The number of eggs you can cook depends on their size. Typically, I can fit 16, but if your eggs are larger, the quantity may vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 63
Total Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 164mg 55%
Sodium 62mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 6g 11%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 59mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs are a modern kitchen innovation that has simplified the process of cooking eggs to perfection. Using an Instant Pot allows you to achieve perfectly cooked eggs with minimal effort. The method is a quick, efficient way to make hard-boiled eggs, especially for large batches, without the mess of boiling water and the frustration of peeling difficult-to-remove shells.

Origin and History

The concept of boiling eggs is ancient, with historical records showing that people have been boiling eggs for thousands of years. However, the use of a pressure cooker for hard-boiling eggs is relatively new. The Instant Pot, which has gained massive popularity in recent years, revolutionized the way people approach traditional cooking. Introduced in 2009 by Robert Wang, a former software engineer, the Instant Pot combines several kitchen appliances into onepressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and more. The advent of the Instant Pot has made it easier for home cooks to achieve consistent results with minimal supervision, including for dishes like hard-boiled eggs.

Regional Variations

Hard-boiled eggs are enjoyed worldwide, but their preparation varies by culture. In countries where eggs are a staple part of the diet, the method of boiling them may differ. For instance, in Japan, eggs are often soft-boiled and served with ramen or as a snack, while in the United States, eggs are typically cooked until the yolks are fully set, making them perfect for deviled eggs or egg salads. The Instant Pot method has gained popularity due to its consistency and ease, but in many regions, traditional stovetop methods or boiling eggs in hot sand are still prevalent. The Instant Pot method allows people from various cultures to perfect their eggs regardless of regional cooking styles.

Differences from Similar Dishes

When compared to similar dishes like soft-boiled or poached eggs, hard-boiled eggs have a completely different texture. The Instant Pot method creates eggs with firm whites and creamy, fully set yolks, making them ideal for snacking, adding to salads, or using in deviled egg recipes. The traditional method of hard boiling on the stovetop often leads to uneven cooking, with some eggs being overcooked, while others are undercooked. The Instant Pot eliminates this inconsistency by controlling the cooking time and pressure, ensuring perfect results each time. Additionally, the Instant Pot method is much faster and more convenient, saving both time and energy compared to stovetop methods.

Where Hard-Boiled Eggs Are Typically Served

Hard-boiled eggs are a versatile ingredient, found in many dishes across the globe. In the United States, they are commonly served as appetizers, in salads, or as a protein-packed snack. In Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, hard-boiled eggs are often included in salads or served with bread. They also appear in breakfast spreads, such as in Scandinavian countries, where eggs may be served alongside fish and rye bread. In Asia, eggs are frequently used in noodle dishes, curries, and as garnishes. The Instant Pot method is particularly favored in households that regularly prepare large quantities of eggs, as it allows for a quick and easy batch-cooking process.

Fun Facts About Hard-Boiled Eggs

  • Eggs have been a symbol of fertility and rebirth in many cultures for centuries.
  • The oldest known method of boiling eggs involves placing them in hot sand, a technique still practiced in some Middle Eastern countries today.
  • In the United States, approximately 70 billion eggs are consumed each year, with a significant portion being hard-boiled.
  • Boiling eggs in the Instant Pot not only makes them easier to peel but also reduces the chance of developing the unsightly green ring around the yolk, which occurs when eggs are overcooked.
  • The Instant Pot method is so efficient that you can cook large batches of eggs in less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for meal prepping or hosting large gatherings.

In conclusion, the Instant Pot has transformed the way we prepare hard-boiled eggs, providing an easier and more reliable method compared to traditional stovetop boiling. This innovative kitchen tool has revolutionized everyday cooking, making it possible for anyone to enjoy perfectly cooked eggs with minimal effort. Whether you're using them for salads, snacks, or making deviled eggs, Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs will become your go-to method for a hassle-free and delicious result every time.

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FAQ about Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe

After cooking hard-boiled eggs in an Instant Pot, transfer them to a bowl of cold water to cool for about 5 minutes. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

It's best to store the eggs in the shell to keep them fresh longer. Peeled eggs can be stored in the fridge for up to a week as well, but they may dry out slightly without the shell.

Yes, you can adjust the cooking time to make soft-boiled eggs. Reduce the cooking time to 3-4 minutes on high pressure for a runnier yolk. Experiment with pressure release time to get the desired consistency.

If you leave the eggs in the Instant Pot for too long, the yolks will turn greenish and the whites may become rubbery. Always follow the recommended cooking and release times to avoid overcooking.

Eggs that are too fresh tend to be harder to peel. If possible, use eggs that are about a week old for easier peeling. Additionally, ensure that you immediately transfer them to an ice bath after cooking to prevent overcooking and help the shells come off easily.

Yes, you can cook more than 16 eggs in the Instant Pot, depending on the size of your pot. Just make sure that the eggs are not overcrowded and that there's enough room for the steam to circulate properly. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the quantity.

If you're using smaller or larger eggs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. For medium eggs, try 3-4 minutes of pressure cooking, and for jumbo eggs, try 5-6 minutes. Always use the natural pressure release method to avoid overcooking.

The total time to cook hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is about 20 minutes. This includes the time for the pressure to build (10-15 minutes), the cooking time (4 minutes on high pressure), and the time to release pressure and cool the eggs in an ice bath.

Yes, the ice bath is important. It helps to stop the cooking process immediately, preventing overcooking, and makes the eggs easier to peel. If you don't have ice, you can use very cold water to achieve a similar effect.

This method can be adapted for soft-boiled eggs by reducing the pressure cooking time. Start with 3 minutes for a slightly runny yolk and adjust the timing based on how soft you like your eggs.

Comments

Frank Harris

12/03/2024 11:20:58 AM

If it makes a difference, I used large cage-free brown eggs for this recipe. These eggs tend to have thicker shells, which may explain why some reviewers have experienced varying results. I only used 6 eggs since that was all I needed, and I made sure to maintain the same water quantity as instructed. Setting the pressure cooker for four minutes and sealing the valve, I accidentally let it cook for an extra minute before releasing the steam. Despite this slight mishap, following the remainder of the recipe precisely yielded excellent results. Next time, I'll be more vigilant to avoid that extra minute of cooking time. I see no reason not to use this recipe again in the future, as it was incredibly simple and produced a delicious outcome. Moreover, the peeling method was remarkably efficient and effortless. Thank you for sharing such a fantastic recipe; I am certain I will be making it again.

Robert Gomez

11/05/2023 03:18:06 PM

Followed the recipe exactly, but the eggs turned out slightly undercooked. Cooking them for 4 minutes wasn't sufficient.

Heather Campbell

01/25/2023 08:55:56 AM

Excellent recipe!

Donald Wright

07/10/2024 05:16:58 AM

Fantastic boiled eggs!