11 Amazing Egg Hacks to Make Your Life Easy

Chock-full of nutrition, eggs are nothing short of delicious. They’ve been an integral part of different cultures worldwide for ages, providing a remarkable combination of taste, health and beauty benefits. They also serve as a symbol of new life, fertility and rebirth on holidays like Easter.

Nevertheless, working with eggs can be difficult, especially if you’re a novice in your cooking skills. So here’s a bag of tips and tricks to make working with eggs easy and help you stay on the sunny-side up.

Whether or not you can tolerate your friends’ ridiculous egg puns and jokes, you’ll surely have fun learning these amazing egg hacks to make your life easy.

Boiled Egg Hacks

These boiled eggs hacks will not only make working with hard-boiled eggs easy but also quite interesting.

Method 1: Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs with Ease

It’s easy to make hard-boiled eggs, but peeling them is often a tedious and cumbersome chore. And no one likes their eggs crunchy with eggshells. Fortunately, a little baking soda or a spoon can help you peel hard-boiled eggs with ease.

Baking soda raises the alkalinity of the cooking water, which detaches the albumin (a protein in egg whites) from the shell and makes the peeling process much easier.

You can also just use a spoon to scoop out the hard-boiled egg from its shell. The egg might not come out flawlessly smooth, but it saves a lot of time and effort.

#Using Baking Soda

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon per quart of water
• Eggs

Step 1. Hard-boil the eggs in alkaline water

• Fill a pan with water and add baking soda to it. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda for each quart of water.
• Put the eggs into the pan. Don’t add too many eggs at a time. They should be able to move freely in the pan.
• Hard-boil the eggs as you normally do.

Step 2. Transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath

• Once the eggs are done to your preference, transfer them immediately to an ice bath.

The quick drop in temperature not only prevents overcooking the eggs, it also helps the eggs detach from the shell membrane, making them easy to peel.

Step 3. Peel the eggs

• Start peeling the eggs once they reach room temperature.
• Dunk the eggs in the water every now and then to wash off the bits of peeled shell.

You’ll be done in no time. Plus, the eggs should come out flawlessly smooth – perfect to be made into decadent deviled eggs.

#Using a Spoon

Things you’ll need:

• Hard-boiled egg
• Sharp knife
• Spoon

Step 1. Cut the hard-boiled egg in half before peeling it

• Take an unpeeled hard-boiled egg that’s cooled down to room temperature and cut it in half with a sharp knife.

Step 2. Scoop out the egg with a spoon

• Scoop each half of the egg out of its shell with a spoon.

Within a couple of minutes, you should have enough peeled eggs perfect for making a boiled egg sandwich.

Method 2: Make Awesome Golden Eggs (In-Shell Scrambled Eggs)

If you like scrambled eggs, you’ll love this golden egg recipe. It’s an awesome twist on classic scrambled eggs.

In-shell scrambled eggs are easy to make, beautiful to look at and a delight to eat. This technique offers a unique combination of scrambled and hard-boiled eggs.

Things you’ll need:

• Eggs
• Stocking

Step 1. Scramble a raw egg in its shell using a stocking

• Slip an uncooked egg inside a stocking. Only put 1 egg at a time in the stocking.
• Securing both the ends of the stocking firmly in your hands, give it a good whirl.
• When the stocking is nicely wound up, pull tightly on both ends of it.
• Scramble the egg in this manner for about 10 minutes.
• If your egg tends to slip to the sides, secure it in the middle using rubber bands.

Step 2. Use a flashlight to check if the egg is scrambled

There’s a really cool trick using a flashlight to check if the egg is completely scrambled.

• Take the scrambled egg into a dark room and shine a flashlight under it. If you use the flashlight in your cell phone, you can even gently set the egg on top of the phone.
• The flashlight beam passes through the egg, changing its color. If the entire egg appears red, consider it scrambled through. But if the egg appears mostly yellow, it still needs work. You may also see a distinct red patch indicating the yolk in an unscrambled egg.
• If your egg is mostly yellow, repeat Step 1 until the egg is completely scrambled and appears entirely red using the flashlight test.

Step 3. Hard-boil the eggs as usual

• Once you’ve scrambled a batch of uncooked eggs, boil them as you normally would to make hard-boiled eggs.

Step 4. Remove the shell to reveal the golden eggs

• Peel the hard-boiled eggs to reveal gorgeous golden eggs.
• Garnish and serve them as they are or use them in any recipe of your choice.

Now you don’t need a golden goose to enjoy golden eggs at whim!

Method 3: Pickle Hard-Boiled Eggs

Pickled eggs are delicious and versatile with the added benefit of being easy enough to make. Once you master the basic recipe, you can play around with different spices and herbs for varying tastes.

The best thing about this recipe that uses beets is the adorable fuchsia color that the eggs end up having.

Things you’ll need:

• Hard-boiled eggs – 3
• Apple cider vinegar – ½ cup
• Beetroot, diced – 1
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Chili flakes – 2 teaspoons
• Peppercorns – a few, according to your preference
• Salt – 2 teaspoons
• Water – 1 cup

Step 1. Pour water and apple cider vinegar into a pan

• Peel 3 hard-boiled eggs, removing every bit of the shell. Set them aside.
• Place a pan over heat and pour 1 cup of water into it.
• Pour in ½ cup of apple cider vinegar as well.

Step 2. Add sugar and seasoning

• Add ¼ cup of sugar to the pan.
• Add 2 teaspoons each of salt and chili flakes.
• Add a few peppercorns, as per your taste.

Step 3. Add the diced beets, bring the mix to a boil and then let it simmer

• Add 1 diced beet and bring the mix to a boil.
• Let the mix simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 4. Cool and strain the brine

• Remove the brine from the heat and let it cool.
• Strain the brine through a fine mesh strainer.

Step 5. Pickle the eggs in the brine in the refrigerator for 3 days

• Put the peeled eggs in a glass jar. The jar should have an airtight lid.
• Put as many eggs in the jar as you can comfortably fit. Use a small jar to make a small batch.
• Pour in the brine, filling the jar up to ½ inch from the brim.
• Screw on the lid tightly and refrigerate it for 3 days to allow the seasoning to absorb into the eggs.
• After 3 days, take the jar out of the refrigerator and remove the eggs from the brine.
• Cut them in half and garnish with chili flakes before serving.
• These pickled eggs should keep well for up to 1 month when kept refrigerated at all times.

Cooked Egg Hacks

To make your time with eggs easier, get the hang of some hacks to use when making popular egg dishes like omelets and poached eggs.

Method 1: Bake Hard-Boiled Eggs

Want your hard-boiled eggs to taste creamier than usual? Then try baking instead of hard-boiling them. That’s right! You get same result but with superb texture and taste. And the hassle-free cooking is just a sweet bonus.

We used a baking tray to bake our eggs, but you can use a muffin tray just as easily.

Step 1. Bake the eggs for 15 to 18 minutes

• Put the eggs into a baking tray and pop them into the oven.
• Bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 350° F.

Step 2. Cool and peel the eggs

• Retrieve the eggs from the oven and put them immediately into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process to prevent them from overcooking as well as making them easier to peel.
• Peel the eggs once they’ve cooled down to room temperature.
• You can use the baked eggs in any recipe of your choice or garnish and serve them as is.

Method 2: Make Poached Eggs

Need the foolproof technique to cook poached eggs right every time? This technique using plastic wrap or cling film is one of the best methods. Make sure the plastic wrap you’re using is heat-resistant.

Nicely done poached eggs have a gooey yolk and firm but soft-cooked whites. Poaching eggs is also the best way to preserve the eggs’ nutrient content.

For best results, use fresh eggs. Aged eggs do not poach well.

Things you’ll need:

• Eggs
• Water
• Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Small bowl or cup
• Plastic wrap (heat-resistant)

Step 1. Heat up water in a pan

• Pour some water into a pan placed over heat and bring it to a low simmer.

Step 2. Line a small bowl with plastic wrap and grease it

• Line a small bowl or cup with plastic wrap.
• Brush the plastic surface with some cooking oil to keep the egg from sticking to the plastic.

Step 3. Break an egg into the bowl and season it

• Break an egg and empty its contents into the bowl.
• Add salt and pepper, as per your taste. If desired, you can add any additional seasoning at this point.

Step 4. Bundle up the plastic wrap and cook the egg

• Pull up the sides of the plastic wrap to make a bundle. Twist and tie a knot in the plastic or use a kitchen string to secure the bundle.
• Ease the bundle into the simmering water, cover with the lid and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
• You can easily whip up a batch by putting multiple bundles of eggs into the pan. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• When the egg is cooked, carefully remove the bundle from the water with a slotted spoon or a pair of tongs.
• Cut open the plastic with a knife and extract the egg.
• Enjoy it as is or serve it over a piece of toast.

Method 3: Make a Ziploc Bag Omelet

There are many ways to make omelets and this Ziploc bag method is a fuss-free solution for anyone who is a novice in the kitchen. Others may simply prefer it as a much healthier cooking option, since there is no frying involved.

This method comes in handy at home or when you’re out camping or traveling.

Things you’ll need:

• Eggs – 2
• Ziploc bags, sandwich-sized – 2
• Shredded cheese – 1 tablespoons
• Green bell pepper, chopped – 2 tablespoons
• Red bell pepper, chopped – 2 tablespoons
• Yellow bell pepper, chopped – 2 tablespoons
• Onions, chopped – 3 tablespoons
• Salt – as per your taste
• Pepper – as per your taste
• Deep pan with lid

Step 1. Break open an egg and pour it into a Ziploc bag

• Break an egg and drain its contents into a bowl or cup.
• Pour the egg into a Ziploc bag. Even if you’re skipping the veggies, don’t put more than 2 eggs into a sandwich-sized bag.
• Squeeze out the air and seal the Ziploc bag. Any air trapped in the bag will prevent you from properly beating the eggs.

Step 2. Hand-beat the egg in the bag

• Break the yolk in the Ziploc bag by squeezing them between your thumb and fingers.
• Hand-beat the egg by squeezing and shaking the bag to completely mix the yolk with the white.

Step 3. Season the beaten egg

• Season your egg with salt and pepper, as per your taste.
• You can also add any other desired seasoning at this point.

Step 4. Add the chopped veggies to the bag

• Add 1½ tablespoons of chopped onions to the bag.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of chopped green, red and yellow bell peppers as well.
• Be sure to keep the quantity of the veggies proportionate to the eggs.

Step 5. Add shredded cheese

• Finally, add 1 tablespoon of your favorite shredded cheese to the bag.

Step 6. Seal the Ziploc bag and mix the contents

• Push the air out of the Ziploc bag and seal it. Any trapped air may pull the water into the bag while boiling, causing tears in your omelet.
• Work the contents of the bag between your fingers to mix them well.
• Prepare more Ziploc bags similarly if you’re making a batch of omelets.

Step 7. Cook the Ziploc bag omelet for 13 minutes in boiling water

• Fill a pan with enough water to cover the Ziploc bag(s) and bring it to a boil.
• Immerse the bag(s) in the boiling water and let them cook for about 13 minutes. If your omelet batch contains more than 3 or 4 eggs, increase the cooking time accordingly.

Step 8. Remove the omelet from the bag and enjoy

• When the omelet(s) is done, carefully remove the Ziploc bag(s) from the hot water with a pair of tongs.
• Allow the Ziploc bag(s) to sit on a plate for a good minute to let them cool. When it is bearably hot, remove the omelet from the bag.

Notice how the egg is well-set around the veggies. Enjoy your Ziploc bag omelet hot!

Raw Egg Hacks

Sometimes dealing with raw eggs stinks (pun intended)! But these raw egg hacks can help you manage the situation a lot better. You may also be surprised to learn that making a hearty breakfast is not the only thing you can do with eggs.

Method 1: Check the Freshness

Wondering how fresh your eggs are? Determining the freshness of an egg is incredibly easy. All you need to do is check whether it floats in water. We tested this theory with 3 eggs of varying ages.

Things you’ll need:

• Eggs
• Cold water

Step 1. Fill a bowl with cold water

• Pour cold water into a large bowl. The water should be cool and not ice cold.

Step 2. Drop in the egg and see if it sinks or floats

• Gently drop the egg you need to test into the bowl of water.
  • Fresh: If the egg sinks to the bottom of the bowl, laying flat to its side, it is super fresh – ideal for poaching or whatever else you wish to do with your egg.
  • Older but fine to use: If the egg sinks but stands upright with the fat end touching the bottom of the bowl, consider it fit for consumption. A fully upright egg is usually a few weeks old. If the egg stands at an angle from the bottom, it is comparatively fresher.
  • Spoiled: If your egg floats in the water, it is most likely spoiled. To further confirm, hold the egg to your ear and give it a shake. Consider it spoiled if you hear a sloshing sound. You can also double check by cracking it open over a separate bowl. A foul odor or watery and discolored whites flecked with black or green indicate that the egg has gone bad.

Method 2: Freeze Eggs

Proper freezing can extend the shelf life of eggs indefinitely. The quality of frozen eggs remains intact for 10 to 12 months after freezing, but the eggs remain safe for consumption even beyond that time.

Choose fresh eggs of good quality for freezing. You can freeze whole eggs or yolks and whites separately. Silicone molds or ice cube trays can come in handy for freezing eggs.

Things you’ll need:

• Eggs
• Coconut oil (for greasing)
• Silicone molds and/or an ice cube tray

Step 1. Grease the ice cube tray and/or silicon molds

• Grease the molds and/or ice cube tray that you’ll be using by brushing them with coconut oil or any other cooking oil.

Step 2. Fill silicone molds with whole or beaten eggs

• To freeze a whole egg, crack it open and drain its contents into a silicone mold.
• To freeze a beaten egg, break it open into a bowl and beat it with a stick mixer. Pour the beaten egg into a silicone mold.

Step 3. Fill an ice cube tray with separated yolks and whites

• Separate the yolks and whites if you need to freeze them separately.
• Whites can be frozen as is. Yolks tend to become gelatinous, which makes them difficult to use in cooking, so you’ll need to beat them before freezing.
• Pour the egg whites and the beaten yolks into the separate sections of an ice cube tray.

Step 4. Freeze the eggs in the tray and/or molds overnight

• Pop the ice cube tray and/or silicone molds with the eggs into the freezer.
• Leave them in the freezer overnight.

Step 5. Transfer the frozen eggs to freezer bags for longer storage

• The next morning, extract the eggs from the ice cube tray and/or silicone molds.
• Put them in freezer bags for longer cold storage. Be sure to store them at the back of the freezer.
• When you need to use the frozen eggs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Method 3: Separate Egg Yolks and Whites

At times, you’ll need to use just the yolks or whites in a recipe. If you’re not a pro at handling eggs, separating the egg whites can be quite a messy task.

Shed your worries. You can accomplish the task easily and cheaply using just a plastic bottle.

Things you’ll need:

• Small, clean plastic bottle
• Eggs

Step 1. Break the egg over a bowl

• Break an egg and gently drain its contents into a bowl. Make sure that no bits of eggshell end up in the bowl.
• You can also use a knife to crack the eggshell, but take care not to shatter it.

Step 2. Use an empty plastic bottle to gently suck up the yolk

• Squeeze a clean plastic bottle.
• Gently touch the mouth of the bottle to the yolk and ease your grip on the bottle. As the bottle expands, the yolk gets sucked inside it along with the air.

Step 3. Release the yolk into another bowl

• Simply squeeze out the yolk into another bowl or plate.
• Repeat the process until you have enough whites or yolks to use in your recipe.

Method 4: Egg Beauty Hack

Eggs aren’t only for cooking. Eggs can deep condition your hair and an egg white mask as described below can help you get rid of whiteheads.

While egg white helps pull out the sebum and dirt clogging your pores, lemon juice in the recipe evens out your skin tone.

Things you’ll need:

• Egg white – 1 egg
• Lemon

Step 1. Extract the egg white into a bowl

• Crack an egg and drain the whites into a bowl. If needed, use the method above for separating egg whites and yolks.

Step 2. Add lemon juice & use the egg mask to unclog pores

• Squeeze 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into the egg white.
• Whisk the mixture with a fork or a stick mixer.
• Apply the mask on clean skin using an old but clean makeup brush. Avoid the eye area.
• Let the mask dry, then apply another layer and let that dry. You can apply up to 3 or 4 layers of the mask. Just be sure to let each layer dry completely first.
• When the final layer has dried completely, slowly peel off the mask with your fingers. You’ll notice whiteheads stuck on the peeled mask.
• Wash your skin with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Method 5: Fun with Naked Eggs

Naked eggs are simply eggs without their shells. You can’t eat them, but you sure can have fun with them. If your kids are of grade-school age, you can also use naked eggs to teach them science in a fun way.

Vinegar is used to create naked eggs. The acidic nature of white vinegar dissolves the eggshells, which are made of calcium carbonate. However, the membrane of the eggs remains intact, giving the appearance of naked eggs.

Note: Naked eggs prepared in this manner should not be consumed.

Things you’ll need:

• Eggs
• White vinegar

Step 1. Soak the eggs in white vinegar for 24 to 48 hours

• Put the eggs into a large bowl.
• Pour vinegar over the eggs, covering them entirely.
• Let it sit undisturbed for about 24 hours. For better results, you can also leave the eggs soaking in the vinegar for up to 48 hours.

Step 2. Rub off the remaining shell and have fun with the naked eggs

• Remove the eggs from the vinegar with a slotted spoon.
• Gently rub off the remaining layer of dissolved shell with your fingers. Take care not to break the delicate but rubbery membrane.
• Wash and dry the egg before using it for fun activities. Apart from basic chemistry, you can put your naked egg into a colorful solution to demonstrate the process of osmosis to your kids.

Tips

• We used stockings to scramble raw eggs in their shell, but you can also use a shirt sleeve from an old shirt.
• If using any sandwich bag other than Ziploc baggies to make an omelet, make sure you use a heat-resistant variety.
• While beating the yolks to prepare them from freezing, you can add ⅛ teaspoon of salt or 1½ teaspoons of sugar to about 4 yolks, depending on whether you might use them for a sweet or savory dish.
• Spread empty eggshells around your home to deter geckos.
• Spreading broken eggshells around your garden will deter snails, slugs, deer and other pests and animals that want to feed on your garden plants.