From Soft to Hard-Boiled: How to Boil Duck Eggs for Every Taste Preference.
Boiling duck eggs can be a bit tricky, as they have a thicker and harder shells than chicken eggs. This means that the boiling process can take longer, and the shells can be more difficult to peel.
In this article, I will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to boil a perfect duck egg every time.
I will cover the best techniques for boiling and peeling duck eggs as well as tips for achieving the perfect consistency, whether you prefer your eggs soft-boiled, medium-boiled, or hard-boiled.
If you have never tried duck eggs before, check out my latest article here: What Do Duck Eggs Taste Like? – Dare To Try!”
Tips For Boiling Duck Eggs
To boil duck eggs, you will need a pot of water and a timer.
But before you start, you’ll want to make sure you’re using eggs that have intact shells. If they’ve become cracked, there’s an increased chance that bacteria could have entered the egg which makes them no longer safe to eat [1].
Start With Room-Temperature Eggs
Before boiling, make sure to take the eggs out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent cracking and make the shells easier to peel.
Use a Timer
Duck eggs take longer to boil than chicken eggs, so it’s important to use a timer to ensure they are cooked for the right amount of time. A soft-boiled duck egg should be cooked for 7-9 minutes, while a medium-boiled egg should be cooked for 10-12 minutes, and a hard-boiled duck egg should be cooked for 12-15 minutes.
Preheat Your Water
While bringing eggs to a boil starting from cold water is the most popular method, it’s actually not what I’d recommend. This method may be fuss-free, but the end result isn’t as good as what you’ll get from placing your eggs straight into boiling water.
When you use cold water, the egg whites are more likely to stick to the shells, which creates waste, a mess, and quite simply just doesn’t look as appetizing as a perfectly intact egg white.
Instead, bring a pot of water to a gentle boil with just enough water in it to fully immerse all of the duck eggs you’ll be cooking.
Gently Place Eggs in The Water
After your water has been brought to a slow rolling boil, gently lower your eggs into the pot using a slotted spoon. Try not to drop the egg in the water, which might crack the shells and splash hot water all over you or the stovetop!
Use Ice Bath
The final step to achieving perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs is to immediately immerse your eggs in an ice bath after they’re done cooking. This may seem to be a finicky step, but it’ll ensure your eggs don’t overcook and make them easier to handle without burning yourself.
It also makes them much easier to peel by decreasing the chances of the egg whites sticking to the shells.
Peel The Eggs
Peeling a duck egg can be a bit tricky due to its thicker shell. However, there are several methods you can use to make the process easier. Here are a few different ways to peel a duck egg that you can try.
- The traditional method: After boiling the egg, cool it in an ice bath. Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel it off under cool running water, starting from the larger end.
- The rolling method: After boiling the egg, gently roll it on a hard surface to create small cracks in the shell. Then, gently peel the shell off under running water, starting from the cracked areas.
- The shaking method: After boiling the egg, place it in a lidded jar or container with some water and shake it vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will cause the shell to crack and separate from the egg white, making it easy to peel.
If you really want to master peeling eggs, check out some of my best egg peeling hacks here: How To Peel Eggs Without Shell Sticking (Shell Slips Right Off)!
How To Boil Duck Eggs?
Here are the instructions for each type of boil:
Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully place the duck eggs in the water using a slotted spoon.
- Set a timer for 7-9 minutes for soft-boiled duck eggs.
- Once the timer goes off, use the slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the water and place them immediately in an ice bath to cool.
- Gently tap and roll the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel it off under running water, revealing the soft-boiled egg inside.
Medium-Boiled Duck Eggs:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully place the duck eggs in the water.
- Set the egg timer for 10-12 minutes for medium-boiled eggs.
- Once the time is up, remove the duck eggs from the water and place them in an ice bath for a few minutes.
- Crackle it by tapping it and rolling it on your kitchen counter and peel it under running water,
Hard-Boiled Duck Eggs:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Slowly place the eggs in the water using a slotted spoon.
- For hard-boiled duck eggs, set a timer for 13-15 minutes.
- After about 16 minutes, use the slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the water and place them in an ice bath to cool.
- Peel the eggs as I describe above.
Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the eggs and personal preference; you may adjust the time accordingly.
Enjoy your perfectly boiled duck eggs!
Duck Eggs Boiling Time And Instruction
2
servings10
minutes12
minutes520
kcal22
minutesAre you tired of the same old chicken eggs? Why not switch things up and try boiling duck eggs? Not sure where to start? Check out the duck eggs boiling time and instructions below and get all the information you need to know to make perfect boiled duck eggs. I’ll guide you through the process, from boiling times to peeling tips. So, get ready to impress your taste buds and try something new today!
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Ingredients
4 Large duck eggs
3-4 cups of water for boiling
Ice for the ice bath
Directions
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer for soft-boiled or a rolling boil for hard-boiled duck eggs.
- Carefully place the duck eggs in the water, one by one, using a slotted spoon.
- Set an egg timer for 7-9 minutes for soft-boiled, 10-12 minutes for medium-boiled, or 13-15 minutes for hard-boiled duck eggs.
- Once the egg timer goes off, use the slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the water and place them in an ice bath to cool.
- Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel it off under cool running water to reveal the perfect boiled duck egg inside.
Notes
- Duck eggs are larger and have thicker shells than chicken eggs, and they also come in different sizes, so larger duck eggs may take a little longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly to achieve your desired level of doneness.
- To prevent cracking during boiling, you can use this simple hack and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the water. This will help to create a more alkaline environment, which will make the eggshells more pliable.
- To avoid overcooking and make the peeling easier, it is important to cool the duck eggs quickly after boiling them. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool them down quickly.
- To make peeling duck eggs easier after boiling, try gently rolling the egg on a hard surface before peeling the shell off. This will help to create small cracks in the shell that will make it easier to remove.
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How To Store Boiled Duck Eggs?
Hard-boiled duck eggs can be peeled and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To store them, simply place the peeled eggs in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator.
Soft-boiled duck eggs should be consumed immediately after boiling, as they are not safe to be stored.
It is also important to store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the back of the bottom shelf.
It’s always best to check the eggs for any signs of spoilage, such as an off-odor, sliminess, or mold, before eating them. If you notice any of these signs, discard the egg.
Read Also: Can You Eat 2-Week-Old Hard-Boiled Eggs? What Would Happen If You Do?!
FAQs
Q. How long to boil a duck egg from cold water?
A. Boiling a duck egg starting with cold water can take anywhere from 16-20 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Starting with boiling water, on the other hand, can reduce the boiling time by a few minutes. However, starting with boiling water is better because it allows for better control over the boiling time, as the water is already at the proper temperature and doesn’t need to come to a boil first.
Q. Is it safe to eat soft-boiled duck eggs?
A. Duck eggs are just as safe to eat as chicken eggs, according to USDA regulations. There is no evidence to suggest that duck eggs are any more dangerous than chicken eggs. Even if a duck egg is soft-boiled, it’s still safe to eat as it doesn’t affect the safety of the egg.
Q. What is the best way to cook duck eggs?
A. The best way to cook duck eggs depends on personal preference; some popular methods include: boiled, fried, scrambled, poached, and baked. Each method has its own characteristics and can be adjusted to suit your taste and the recipe you intend to use them for.
In Conclusion
Boiling duck eggs is a simple and easy process that yields delicious and nutritious results. Whether you prefer your eggs soft or hard-boiled, the key is to control the time and temperature of the boiling water.
It’s important to note that duck eggs have a thicker shell and are slightly larger than chicken eggs, so they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Experiment with different boiling times to find the perfect texture for your taste.
Sources:
[1] USDA (2022). Is It Safe To Eat Eggs That Have Cracks? Retrieved from https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Is-it-safe-to-use-eggs-that-have-cracks
