How to Boil Perfect Eggs — Without the Green Ring, Ever peeled a boiled egg only to find a green-gray ring around the yolk? Don’t worry — it’s not spoilage, just a harmless reaction between iron and sulfur that happens when eggs are overcooked.

Luckily, a few simple tweaks can fix that for good.

The No-Fail Boiling Method: Start Cold: Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water, about 1–2 inches above. Heat Gently: Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, then immediately turn off the heat.

Let Sit: Cover and leave the eggs in the hot water: 9 minutes for soft yolks 11–12 minutes for firm yolks Cool Fast: Transfer eggs to an ice bath for at least 5 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier.

Peel Under Water: Gently crack and peel the cooled eggs under running water for best results.

Pro Tips: Use slightly older eggs (5–7 days) for easier peeling. Add vinegar or salt to the water to help prevent cracking. Store unpeeled eggs for up to a week; peeled eggs, 2–3 days. Enjoy Them: Slice on salads, mash into deviled eggs, or snack with salt and pepper. Key to Success? Perfect timing — and an ice bath.