Cooking eggs in a silicone egg mold is a great way to prepare perfect boiled eggs every time. The heat-resistant silicone allows the eggs to cook evenly, resulting in attractively shaped hard boiled eggs. Using an egg mold saves time and hassle over traditional boiling methods. Simply crack raw eggs into the mold, cover with water and boil. After 12 minutes, you’ll have picture-perfect boiled eggs ready for Easter baskets, egg salad and more. Continue reading to learn the complete step-by-step method for using a silicone mold to boil eggs.
What is a Silicone Egg Mold?
A silicone egg mold is a container made of flexible, heat-resistant silicone rubber designed to hold eggs while boiling. The durable material withstands high temperatures and allows heat to distribute evenly around each egg.
Silicone molds come in various shapes and sizes with multiple indentations to hold anywhere from 2 to 14 eggs at a time. The flexible material makes removing the finished hard boiled eggs quick and easy.
Egg molds have several benefits over traditional egg boiling methods:
- Molds keep eggs from bumping into each other and cracking while boiling
- Silicone transfers heat gently and evenly for consistent cooking
- Eggs come out uniform in shape and texture
- Easy to peel after cooking due to smooth silicone surface
- Fun shapes like hearts, chicks and eggs make deviled eggs more festive
Choosing a Silicone Egg Mold
When selecting an egg mold, opt for 100% food-grade silicone rather than cheaper plastic models. Here are some other tips for choosing the right mold:
- Pick the number of eggs you typically boil at one time
- Look for sturdy, thick silicone that won’t tear
- Consider fun shapes for holidays and parties
- Be sure mold fits in your pot with lid closed
- Non-stick surface allows easy egg removal
- Molds with large grips make handling easier
How to Use a Silicone Egg Mold
Using an egg mold to prepare perfect hard boiled eggs takes just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggs
Start with eggs that have been refrigerated. Cold eggs are less likely to crack when boiling. Gently place eggs into mold indentations. Add water until eggs are fully submerged.
Step 2: Boil the Eggs
Place filled mold in a pot and cover completely with water. Heat pot over high heat until water is boiling. Then reduce heat to low, cover pot and cook for 12 minutes.
Step 3: Remove and Cool the Eggs
Carefully drain hot water from pot. Gently remove eggs from mold and transfer to an ice bath. Cool for 15 minutes before peeling.
Tips for Using a Silicone Egg Mold
Follow these tips for best results when cooking eggs in a silicone mold:
- Spray mold with oil for easier egg removal
- Use 1 teaspoon baking soda in water to make shells slide off
- Add salt to water to raise boiling temperature
- Pierce egg yolks before boiling for centered yolks
- Boil extra eggs to allow for possible cracking
- Lower heat once boiling to prevent cracks
Cleaning Silicone Egg Molds
Silicone egg molds are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Here’s how to clean them:
- Rinse mold with hot water to remove residue
- Apply dish soap and scrub with soft sponge
- Use bottle brush to clean inside egg holes
- Let air dry or dry with towel before storing
- Avoid harsh abrasives that could damage silicone
- Check manufacturer instructions before dishwashing
Storing Silicone Egg Molds
Store silicone egg molds in a clean, dry spot while not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures or sunlight which can damage the material over time. Fold or roll the flexible mold to minimize storage space.
Recipes Using Hard Boiled Eggs
The uniform shape and easy peeling of eggs prepared in a silicone mold make them perfect for any boiled egg recipe. Here are some delicious ways to use them:
Easter Eggs
- Dye boiled eggs using egg coloring kits or natural dyes
- Add fun stickers and glitter to decorate shells
- Hide boiled and decorated eggs for egg hunts
Egg Salad
- Chop eggs and combine with mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper
- For extra flavor, add chopped celery, onion, relish or herbs
- Serve egg salad between bread slices for classic tea sandwiches
Deviled Eggs
- Cut peeled eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks
- Mix yolks with mayonnaise, mustard and spices
- Scoop or pipe yolk mixture back into egg whites
- Garnish with paprika, bacon, herbs or other toppings
Scotch Eggs
- Wrap hard boiled eggs in sausage meat
- Coat in breadcrumbs and bake until sausage is cooked through
- Cool slightly before serving for ideal texture
The Benefits of Hard Boiled Eggs
Beyond being delicious and versatile, eggs cooked in silicone molds offer nutritional benefits:
- One large hard boiled egg contains about 78 calories and 6 grams of protein
- Eggs provide vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, selenium and other nutrients
- The protein in eggs helps build muscles and provides a feeling of fullness
- Studies show eating eggs can help with weight loss and reduce stroke risk
Boiling eggs removes about 50% of the egg’s folate content. However, the white remains a good source of protein while still being low in calories.
Egg Cooking Guide
Use this guide for the recommended time to boil eggs based on desired doneness:
| Cook Time | Doneness |
|---|---|
| 6-8 minutes | Very soft boiled |
| 10-12 minutes | Perfect hard boiled |
| 15+ minutes | Solid yolk for egg salad |
Add 1 minute if cooking at high altitude. If using extra large eggs, add 30 seconds to cooking times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why boil eggs in a silicone mold?
Silicone molds evenly transfer heat to the eggs for consistent texture and shape. The non-stick material makes the eggs easy to remove after cooking without risk of cracking the shells.
How many eggs fit in a mold?
The number of eggs a mold holds varies by size. Mini molds may have 2-6 egg cups. Standard molds often have 6-12 cups. Large molds can hold up to 14 eggs.
Can you boil eggs from cold in a mold?
It’s best to use eggs straight from the refrigerator for boiling. Eggs at room temperature are more likely to crack when placed into boiling water.
Do you need to adjust boiling time for egg molds?
Cook eggs in silicone molds for the same time as you would for traditional boiling, about 12 minutes for hard boiled. The mold helps prevent cracking but doesn’t significantly impact cooking times.
Why put eggs in ice after boiling in a mold?
The ice bath stops the cooking process so the eggs don’t get overdone. It also makes them easier to peel by contracting the eggs slightly from the shells.
Conclusion
Boiling eggs in a silicone mold delivers perfect hard boiled eggs every time with minimal fuss. The affordable molds pay for themselves quickly and work for making Easter eggs, egg salad, deviled eggs, and more. Just place raw eggs in the mold, boil for 12 minutes, ice bath, peel and enjoy! With the simple tricks and recipes in this article, you’ll be a silicone egg mold expert in no time.