Gordon Ramsay is known for his perfectionist approach in the kitchen. Whether he’s preparing an elegant tasting menu at one of his restaurants or whipping up a weeknight family dinner, Chef Ramsay aims for excellence in every dish. This definitely extends to humble hard-boiled eggs, which Ramsay transforms with his exacting technique into creamy, flavorful orbs.
What makes Ramsay’s hard-boiled eggs special?
There are a few key factors that elevate Ramsay’s hard-boiled eggs above the typical rubbery, bland boiled egg:
- Precise timing – Ramsay has perfected exactly how long to boil the eggs for ideal texture throughout the white and yolk.
- Easy peeling – With his method, the shells slip off easily for presentable, smooth eggs.
- Flavor enhancement – Ramsay adds ingredients to the boiling water to infuse the eggs with more flavor.
- Appearance – The eggs achieve a consistently perfect shape and color.
With just a bit more care and a few small tweaks, Ramsay takes humble hard-boiled eggs to the next level. Read on for his complete method.
Ingredients
Ramsay’s ingredients for perfect hard-boiled eggs are simple:
- Eggs – medium or large eggs work best
- Water – cool water to cover the eggs
- White vinegar – helps the shells release from the eggs
- Salt – for seasoning the water
Step 1 – Prep the Eggs
Ramsay starts by prepping the eggs for boiling. He recommends using eggs that have been refrigerated, not fresh from the chicken coop, as very fresh eggs can be more difficult to peel.
Gently place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cool water. The water should be about 1 inch above the eggs. Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt to the water – the vinegar helps the shells separate while the salt infuses the eggs with seasoning.
Step 2 – Bring the Eggs to a Boil
Place the pan over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. As soon as the water reaches a vigorous boil, remove the pan from the heat. This quick boiling helps cook the eggs evenly.
Step 3 – Let the Eggs Stand
After boiling, cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs stand for exactly 9 minutes. This standing time finishes cooking the eggs gently without overcooking.
While the eggs stand, prepare an ice bath. Fill a bowl with ice and cold water – this will be used to stop the cooking process.
Step 4 – Shock the Eggs in Ice Water
After 9 minutes, immediately drain the hot water from the pan and transfer the eggs to the ice bath. Letting the eggs sit in the hot water will lead to overcooked whites and undercooked yolks. Shocking them in the ice bath stops the cooking for tender, creamy results.
Step 5 – Peel and Serve
After at least 15 minutes in the ice bath, peel the eggs starting from the wider end. The shells should come off very easily.
Ramsay’s eggs are now ready to serve and enjoy! Season with a bit of salt and pepper, or use them any way you like – in salads, sandwiches or just for a snack.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Here are some additional tips from Chef Ramsay for foolproof hard-boiled eggs every time:
- Use eggs 7-10 days old – very fresh eggs stick to the shells.
- Steam the eggs before boiling by starting them in cold water then heating – this helps the inner membrane separate from the shell.
- Add baking soda instead of vinegar to make shells slide off easily.
- Crack eggshells before peeling by tapping all over – this releases trapped steam.
- For easier peeling, peel eggs under running water or return to hot water for 10 seconds.
How Long Should You Boil Eggs?
Precise timing is key for tender, perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs. Here is a table with different boiling times depending on the desired doneness:
| Doneness | Boiling Time |
|---|---|
| Very soft-boiled | 4 minutes |
| Soft-boiled | 5-6 minutes |
| Medium-boiled | 7 minutes |
| Hard-boiled | 9-10 minutes |
Ramsay’s 9 minutes plus an ice bath produces classic hard-boiled eggs with set whites and jammy golden yolks. Adjust the timing up or down for more runny or firm eggs.
How Does Boiling Method Affect Hard-Boiled Eggs?
There are a few different ways to boil eggs besides Ramsay’s technique. Here is a comparison of some common boiling methods and their effects on egg texture and peelability:
Starting Eggs in Cold Water
Gently bringing the water to a boil with the eggs already in the pan leads to tender, easy-to-peel eggs. The gradual heating allows the inner membranes to pull away slowly from the shells.
Starting in Hot Water
Starting eggs directly in boiling water can make the whites rubbery and tough. However, it cuts down on cooking time for very soft boiled eggs where runny whites are desirable.
Steam Boiling
Steaming the eggs over boiling water rather than directly in the water results in very uniform cooking. Eggs are less likely to crack due to the gentle steam heating.
Pressure Cooking
A pressure cooker cuts the boiling time in half, meaning less opportunity for overcooking. Eggs peel easily after pressure cooking.
How Long Do Boiled Eggs Last?
Properly stored, hard-boiled eggs can last for one week in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for maximizing their shelf life:
- Refrigerate eggs in their shells immediately after cooking. Leaving eggs at room temperature causes bacteria to multiply quickly.
- Store cooked eggs in their original carton or another covered container, not floating loosely in the fridge.
- Consume eggs within 1 week for the best quality and safety.
- To freeze eggs, lightly salt and sprinkle with sugar before freezing. Frozen eggs will last up to 1 year.
How to Use Up Leftover Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs can be used in so many ways. Try these delicious ideas for using up leftovers:
Egg Salad
Chop hard-boiled eggs into a creamy mayo-based salad with mustard, celery, onion and herbs. Scoop onto greens or use as a sandwich filling.
Deviled Eggs
Split and fill the eggs with a savory creamy filling with mustard, hot sauce and paprika as garnish. A classic party appetizer!
Scotch Eggs
Encase peeled hard-boiled eggs in sausage meat, coat in breadcrumbs and fry until crispy. Serve these flavor bombs as a snack or appetizer.
Fried Egg and Avocado Toast
Top avocado toast with sliced hard-boiled eggs for added protein and richness in this healthy breakfast or light meal.
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Hard-boiled egg salad makes for a very satisfying and nutritious sandwich filling paired with bread, lettuce and tomato.
Egg Drop Soup
Slice hard-boiled eggs and stir into chicken broth with greens and cooked noodles or rice noodles for this Chinese restaurant classic.
Paneer Bhurji
This Indian dish of crumbled spice-infused scrambled paneer cheese studded with chopped hard-boiled egg is delicious with naan bread or over rice.
The Takeaway on Ramsay’s Hard-Boiled Eggs
With attention to detail at every step, Chef Gordon Ramsay turns simple hard-boiled eggs into an elegant treat. Starting the eggs in cool water, boiling briefly then ice bathing, along with adding vinegar to the water, results in tender whites, smooth, bright yolks and easy peeling.
Adjust the boiling times up or down to customize the doneness of the eggs. Store cooked eggs properly in the refrigerator and enjoy them within a week for egg salads, deviled eggs, Scotch eggs, fried egg dishes and more.
Master Ramsay’s technique for hard-boiled egg perfection every time!