Egg Hacks with Warren Mendes
Egg Hacks with Warren Mendes
We tested these clever egg hacks so you can try them at home too
Australian Eggs has teamed up with chef and food editor, Warren Mendes, to test five different egg hacks to provide these fail-safe tips on how you can elevate your cooking and have some fun, as we continue to spend more time at home and in the kitchen.
If you’re after a quick way to whip up eggs without using the stove, what to do with leftover egg whites or you’d like to know if that peeling trick really works, we’ve listed all the ingredients and utensils you’ll need to be able to crack these egg hacks at home.
Note: all hacks we tested using 59g (XL) eggs.
How to peel eggs
What you’ll need:
- Boiled eggs
- A sealed, airtight and leak-proof container
- A spoon
- Water
What to do: Spoon method
- Use the back of a spoon to gently shatter the eggshell, turning the egg around to shatter it everywhere.
- Gently peel away the shell and it should come off in large pieces. Make sure you try and peel from the thin membrane under the shell as this will make it much easier.
What to do: Jar method
- Add some cold water to a large jar with a lid then add the boiled eggs. Close the lid and shake the eggs to shatter the shells.
- You will start to see the shells removing as you shake them around. Don’t be too rough that you break the eggs in half though.
Notes:
- Cook the eggs from a boiling start. This enables the membrane to set, and creates a film below the shell, making it easier to peel off in one piece.
- Plunge the egg into iced water directly after cooking, this will stop the cooking process and make it easier to peel.
- If you are making very soft-boiled eggs this method is not the best as the shaking could damage the egg and split it as it is more delicate than a medium or hard-boiled egg.
How to separate multiple egg yolks
What you’ll need:
- Fresh eggs (as many as you require)
- A standard plastic water bottle
- A bowl
What to do:
1. Crack your eggs on a flat surface and add them to a bowl.
2. Use a flexible bottle or clean plastic bottle without the lid. Squeeze out some of the air from the bottle then place the opening next to the yolk. Release the pressure from the bottle, allowing the egg yolk to be sucked up into the bottle, leaving behind the egg whites.
3. Keep tilting the bottle back to keep the yolks away from escaping and repeat with the pressure of the bottle to pick up the remainder of the yolks.
Notes:
- The bottle opening cannot be too large as it needs to keep the egg yolks inside. A standard water bottle works best.
How to Store Egg Whites
What you’ll need:
- Ice cube tray
- Leftover egg whites
- Jug
What to do:
1. Combine all leftover egg whites in a jug and mix together with a whisk.
2. Once the egg whites are combined, carefully pour them into a clean ice tray. If using a large ice cube tray, you should fit one egg white per cube.
Notes:
- You can keep the egg whites frozen for up to 12 months.
- When removing from the tray, crack the tray or use a knife or spoon to help you get each cube out.
- To thaw you can place the cubes in a bowl and then leave in the fridge for a few hours until thawed.
Steamed eggs
What you’ll need:
- Fresh eggs
- Bamboo steamer basket or metal steamer
- A timer
What to do:
1. Place the bamboo steamer above a wok with simmering water or alternatively set above a rack in a deep fry pan, ensuring the steamer basket is not touching the base of the pan, allowing the steam to rise to the top.
2. Place the eggs in the bamboo steamer, close the lid and allow to steam. For soft boiled eggs with a runny yolk, steam for 6 minutes, 8 ½ minutes for medium and 11 minutes for hard boiled type.
3. Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, plunge them into iced water to stop the cooking process and peel once cooled.
Note:
- Note these cooking times will vary if you are using smaller or larger eggs.
Microwave poached eggs
What you’ll need:
- 1 fresh egg
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 125ml water
- 1 skewer
- 1 large microwave-safe mug
What to do:
1. Add the water and white vinegar to the mug.
2. Crack the egg into the mug and pierce the yolk with a skewer. This will make sure you poached egg doesn’t explode in the microwave.
3. Microwave the mug on high for 40 seconds for a slightly runny yolk.
Notes:
- If you want the egg done a little more you can do it for 10 seconds at a time, but always stop after the initial 40 seconds to check and prevent any microwave explosions.