To peel hard-boiled eggs easily, follow these expert-backed steps and tips:

• Cool the eggs quickly after boiling: Immediately transfer the boiled eggs into an ice water bath for 5 to 14 minutes. This cools the eggs and helps the membrane separate from the shell, making peeling easier

• Crack the shell gently: Tap the egg gently on a hard surface to create microcracks all over the shell. Rolling the egg lightly on the counter helps loosen the shell without smashing it

• Peel under running water: Start peeling at the wider end where there is usually an air pocket. Peeling the shell off under a gentle stream of cold water helps the water get between the membrane and egg white, loosening the shell and washing away small shell fragments

• Use vinegar in the boiling water (optional): Adding a splash of white or apple cider vinegar to the boiling water can soften the shell and make peeling easier by affecting the eggshell’s calcium carbonate

• Avoid very fresh eggs: Eggs that have been refrigerated for a few days peel more easily than very fresh eggs because the membrane shrinks slightly during storage, reducing its stickiness to the shell

• Peeling techniques:
  • Tap and roll: Tap the egg on the counter, then roll it gently to crack the shell all over before peeling

* _Spoon method:_ Crack a small opening and slide a spoon under the shell to lift it off smoothly

* _Abracadabra method:_ Crack both ends, then use your mouth or fingers to pull off the shell quickly

By combining these methods-cooling eggs in ice water, cracking gently, peeling under running water, and using slightly older eggs-you can peel hard-boiled eggs quickly and cleanly with minimal shell sticking or breakage