The Best Way to Peel Boiled Eggs Without Damaging the White

Struggling with boiled eggs that never peel cleanly? Here’s a simple hack: add salt to the water and finish with an ice bath for smooth, easy peeling.

Watch how to peel boiled eggs the easy way.

Why boiled eggs are sometimes hard to peel

The main reason eggs stick to the shell is the bond that forms between the egg white proteins and the inner shell membrane. Fresh eggs are usually the most difficult to peel, while slightly older eggs peel more easily.

Step-by-step method for easy peeling

1. Add salt to boiling water: Put a teaspoon of salt in the pot before adding the eggs. This helps separate the egg white from the shell membrane.
2. Boil your eggs: Cook them to your preferred doneness (about 9–12 minutes for hard-boiled).
3. Shock in ice water: Transfer the eggs immediately into a bowl of ice water and let them cool for 5–10 minutes.
4. Peel under running water: Crack the shell gently and peel — the water helps loosen any stubborn bits.

Extra tips for perfect boiled eggs

• Use eggs that are 5–7 days old for best peeling results.
• Peel eggs while slightly warm — the membrane comes off more easily.
• Roll the egg gently on the counter to crack the shell evenly before peeling.
• Store peeled eggs in cold water in the fridge if not eating right away.

Final thought: With a teaspoon of salt and an ice bath, peeling boiled eggs becomes quick and frustration-free. No more wasted egg whites — just perfect, smooth eggs every time.

Try this trick today and share it with friends — it will save them time in the kitchen!