Do I need to cover boiled eggs

When boiling eggs, it is okay to cover or not, but covering can shorten cooking time and reduce heat loss. When eggs are boiled with a lid in boiling water, the steam circulation in the pot accelerates heat transfer, causing the protein to solidify faster; If the lid is not covered, the heating time needs to be extended, and the temperature at the center of the egg yolk rises slowly. The maturity of boiled eggs mainly depends on water temperature and time control. Covering and boiling usually takes 5-7 minutes to reach a soft and tender state, and 8-10 minutes to achieve full maturity.

When boiling eggs in a covered pan, adjust the boiling water to a moderate heat to avoid overflowing the pan. Covering the lid can maintain stable water temperature, especially suitable for making hot spring eggs or soft boiled eggs that require precise control of ripeness. The slight pressure generated by a closed environment helps to separate the eggshell from the protein, making it less prone to adhesion during shell peeling. However, it is important to observe the water level to prevent rapid evaporation of moisture and dry burning. The open cooking method without a lid is more suitable for cooking eggs in large quantities or observing the state of the eggshell. When the egg cracks, opening the lid and boiling can add cold water in a timely manner to prevent the protein from overflowing. This method has low requirements for fire control and is suitable for novice kitchen operators. But the loss of heat may lead to the deposition of grayish green sulfide iron on the outer layer of the egg yolk, affecting its appearance.

Boiled eggs should be immediately soaked in cold water, as the principle of thermal expansion and contraction can help shell them. Whether covered or not, the eggshell membrane of fresh eggs is tighter and easier to completely peel off after boiling. Eggs stored for more than a week have an enlarged air chamber, and it is recommended to use a needle to puncture a small hole at the blunt end to balance the internal and external air pressure during cooking. Special populations such as infants and young children are recommended to consume fully cooked eggs to ensure complete eradication of Salmonella.