If you’ve got leftover eggs that you want to enjoy the next day then you’re probably going to want to warm them through. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reheat boiled eggs.
My 2 favourite methods involve microwaving and steaming. For both methods, you should keep the shell on the eggs as it will act as a protective barrier. You can then peel them once they’re reheated and enjoy them as you usually would.
The methods will work for both hard and soft-boiled eggs but you may find that the egg yolk becomes hard regardless. If you’re after perfect soft-boiled eggs then you may want to just cook them fresh.
How to Reheat Boiled Eggs in the Microwave
Using the microwave to reheat boiled eggs is probably the most convenient option and will take just a few minutes. Make sure you choose a deep microwave-safe bowl that can comfortably hold and submerge the boiled eggs in water.
- Pop Egg(s) Into Bowl
Carefully place the eggs into the base of your bowl. Remember, this bowl must be microwave-safe. - Pour Water Into The Bowl
Fill the bowl with room temperature water until the boiled egg(s) is fully submerged. Ensure the water level isn’t too high to prevent overflowing when bubbling.
- Set Microwave
Adjust your microwave to 50% power to gently reheat the egg without causing it to burst. - Reheat
Microwave the bowl for 1 minute. It’s essential not to exceed this time to avoid the risk of the egg exploding.
How to Reheat Boiled Eggs in a Steamer
A steamer can be a very convenient way to reheat them if you are short on kitchenware or are already using the steamer and don’t want to have to wash up another bowl. It’s also a great way to reheat lots of boiled eggs at once:
- Set Up The Steamer
Fill the bottom of the steamer with 2.5cm of water. - Heat The Water
Set the steamer to high heat until the water starts to boil. Then, reduce the heat slightly to medium heat.
- Put In The Eggs
Uncover the top section of the steamer and place the boiled eggs in the centre of the steamer basket. Be careful of the hot water steam as you open the basket.
- Cover
Once you have placed the eggs, cover the steamer once more, ensuring that the lid is secure enough to keep the heat inside. - Reheat
Set a timer for 3 minutes and leave the eggs to warm up. - Remove From The Steamer
Once the eggs are hot, turn off the heat and remove the eggs from the steamer altogether. Leaving them in the steamer may overcook them.
- Peel And Enjoy
All that’s left to do is peel or crack your reheated boiled eggs and eat up!
Using a steamer is the safer and more consistent method for reheating boiled eggs. It offers a gentler heat, reducing the risk of overcooking or exploding the egg, as can happen in a microwave. The even distribution of steam ensures the egg is uniformly reheated.
Tips for Reheating Boiled Eggs
If you want to have success every time you reheat boiled eggs, stick to my top tips. I’ve reheated enough boiled eggs in my time!
- Piercing: Lightly pierce the egg’s bottom to release any built-up steam and prevent explosions. If you get the timing wrong in the microwave, it can make a real mess!
- Rotate: If using a microwave, rotate the egg halfway for even reheating. Microwaves are notorious for reheating foods unevenly.
- Damp Cloth: Wrap the egg in a damp paper towel before microwaving to prevent drying out.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Reheat only 1 or 2 eggs at a time in the microwave for best results.
- Reheating Limit: Avoid reheating an egg more than once. If you don’t eat the egg after reheating it then you’ll need to throw it out.
- Water Level: Ensure water doesn’t touch the eggs directly in a steamer. You want to reheat the egg with steam and not with boiling or simmering water.
To reheat peeled boiled eggs, place them in a heatproof bowl, cover them with hot water, and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
Acacia may be a freelance writer by day, but they are a food fanatic by night. They are always trying out new recipes or finding different ways to elevate classical dishes. But their biggest culinary aim is to educate others on the basics of the kitchen so that they too can enjoy delicious food.