Hard-Boiled Eggs in Microwave

When you need perfectly hard-boiled eggs in a rush, turn to this recipe! No pots or boiling water required, and ready in under fifteen minutes!

Now, I don’t want to toot my own horn too much here, but I do consider myself an egg connoisseur! The project that got me my first food media job after university was a food blog I designed and wrote for, called un œuf is enough. I wrote about frying, poaching, boiling, and every other way you can cook an egg.

While the remnants of that relic may now be lost to time, the hours of research knowledge I accumulated in my skull certainly haven’t gone anywhere!

Nowadays, I’m always looking for ways to cook eggs quicker, mainly because it’s right when I’m plating a dish that I think, “This would be perfect with an egg.”

And that’s where these hard-boiled eggs come in! They’re done in twelve minutes (or less if you want them soft-boiled), and are the perfect addition to pretty much anything! But more on that later.

Are Hard-Boiled Eggs Healthy?

Yes, hard-boiled eggs are generally considered healthy. Eggs are a complete protein, which means they contain all nine essential amino acids. They are nutrient-dense and low in calories, and the protein and healthy fats in eggs can also help you feel full and satisfied between meals.

When choosing eggs, opt for those from pasture-raised hens, as they often contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and other nutrients compared to eggs from battery-farmed hens.

Pasture-raised means the hens are given ample outdoor space to roam freely and forage, often resulting in a more nutritious diet. While pasture-raised eggs come from hens living in better conditions, it’s important to note that they are not the same as organic or free-range eggs.

Organic eggs come from hens fed organic feed and raised without synthetic pesticides or hormones, while free-range hens have some outdoor access but typically less space and freedom than pasture-raised hens. However, all three options are better than battery-farmed hens.

Tips for non-explosive microwave eggs

Now, I don’t mean to alarm anyone, but it is possible for eggs to explode in the microwave. This is because of a phenomenon called superheating.

Superheating occurs when a liquid (like the water inside an egg) is heated beyond its normal boiling point without actually boiling, because it happens rapidly and evenly without forming bubbles to release the steam.

In the case of eggs, the pressure builds up inside the egg’s shell, and the sudden release of pressure is often triggered by a small disturbance, such as moving the egg or piercing the surface.

Don’t worry, though. If you follow my recommendations, you will be fine!

My first tip is to fully submerge the eggs in hot water before microwaving. By submerging the eggs in water, the heat is distributed more evenly, reducing the likelihood of an explosion.

My second tip is to mix half a teaspoon of salt per egg into the water. Adding salt to the water promotes the formation of bubbles at a lower temperature, which allows steam to escape more steadily, preventing the dangerous buildup of pressure inside the eggs.

My final tip, which is optional, is to pierce the eggs before you microwave them. Make a small hole in the eggshell (usually at the base) using a pin or needle. This creates a vent for steam to escape and reduces the risk of pressure building up inside the egg.

Serving Suggestions

I am on such a high with lunch bowls at the moment! I love to prep them at the start of the week, then just grab them and assemble when my lunch hour rolls around.

My current favorites to have with two hard-boiled eggs are these Honey-Lime Chicken And Nourish Bowls, this Mediterranean Bowl, this Tahini Grilled Avocado, Cauliflower And Sweet Potato Power Bowl, and these Vietnamese Noodle Bowls.

And if quinoa is your thing, try this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, these Slow-Cooker Thai Peanut Butter Chicken Quinoa Bowls, or this Falafel Bowl!

Recipe