Chickens and kittens were part of my country living dreams. Little did I know that farm fresh eggs from my backyard chickens would create some learning opportunities for me! Store bought eggs are 30 or more days old when they reach the grocery store. The first time I boiled my farm fresh eggs to make hard boiled eggs I was in for a big surprise. As I attempted to peel the eggs I found I had a huge mess on my hands because fresh eggs and store bought eggs are significantly different. With fresh eggs half the egg comes apart as you try to peel of the shell because the fresher the egg, the more the membranes clings to the shell.
I did some research and tried salting the water, adding vinegar, adding baking soda and finally discovered the wonders of steaming my farm fresh eggs. Thankfully I found that before attempting the needle method. At Christmas my husband got me the InstaPot that I have drooling over for months. The InstaPot works just as well (but faster) than steaming eggs on the stove top.
Steamed Hard Boiled Eggs
Step 1: Place your farm eggs in the steamer basket that comes with your pot or a vegetable steamer added to a pot. Fill the pot below the steamer with water. Gently place your clean eggs inside the steamer. Bring the water to a boil, and put the lid on top.
Step 2: Allow the eggs to steam with a gentle boil for 20 minutes. No peeking.
Step 3: While your eggs steam create an ice bath.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and remove the lid.
Step 5: Remove the eggs from the steamer with a towel or tongs. And place them in ice bath for 6-10 minutes. Your eggs are ready to use or store for future use. They will peel easy-peasy.
IstaPot Hard Boiled Eggs
Step 1: Add 1 cup of water to your pot. Set the metal rack that came with your InstaPot on the bottom.
Step 2: Gently place your clean eggs on the rack.
Step 3: Press the “manual” button and set it for 6 minutes. Be sure your vent is closed.
Step 4:Let the InstaPot start and cycle. While your eggs steam create an ice bath.
Step 5: Once the InstaPot has counted down the 6 minutes, use the manual release to vent the steam.
Step 6: Remove the eggs from the steamer with a towel or tongs. And place them in ice bath for 6 minutes. Your eggs are ready to use or store for future use. They will peel easy-peasy.
I used pullet eggs that I collected today! These are as fresh as they come and peeled with great ease. If you don’t have the luxury of having backyard chickens I highly recommend finding someone local to buy your eggs from or go to the farmers market. You cannot beat local, fresh, straight from the farmer eggs.
P.S. My Deviled Egg Recipe
The flavor for me comes from using high quality ingredients. My eggs are ultra fresh, I use Dukes Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard to skip the added sugar in other brands, and then I always use great spices sprinkled on top. I also make them fresh to eat one small batch at a time. Just smash it up the egg yokes, mix in the mayo and Dijon and the sprinkle with goodness.
Ingredients
3 eggs
2 tbsp. Dukes Mayonnaise
1/2 to 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
Garnish
Smoked or Hungarian Paprika
Fresh Ground Pepper
Fancy Salt (I most commonly use Applewood Smoked, Lavender Rosemary, or Mesa from Red Cedar Bison.)
Nice article Kayla, now I want the recipe for your deviled eggs!
I added it to the bottom of the post now. It is super simple. That day I happened to use lava salt because we are testing out new salts to carry.
Indeed a great article because most of the peoples face this problem to get hard boiled egg’s without breaking it apart. But using instant pot is an great way to get hard egg’s. If you want to peel the egg’s easily then us this method.