Consistent, well-behaved hard-boiled eggs are easy to master with this simple method. We use a steamer basket so the eggs don’t crack, start the eggs in boiling water so they’ll peel easily, and simmer slowly for a slightly longer period than you might think so they’ll cook pretty evenly throughout. You’ll have sturdy but tender whites and yolks that retain just enough creaminess.

The perfect hard boiled egg for every occasion

These eggs are great for eating straight with a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper (or hey, maybe a dash of mayo and sriracha, just sayin). They’re also great, of course, for egg salad, chopping onto a lunch salad, making a sandwich, and especially my favorite child I mean food right now, deviled eggs. (Try classic deviled eggs and a deviled egg bar.)

Here’s what you’ll need to make perfect hard boiled eggs

• A dozen good-quality, large eggs
• A steamer basket
• A large pot to fit the steamer basket, such as this one (expensive and wonderful) or this one (less expensive and still great)
• A large bowl

And here's what you'll do

• Fill the pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.
• Arrange eggs in the steamer basket. Lower basket into water and cover pot. Set timer for 12 minutes.
• As soon as water begins to bubble vigorously again, reduce heat to low to maintain a bare simmer.
• Fill the bowl halfway with cold water and ice cubes.
• When timer rings, pull steamer out of pot and tip eggs into ice water. Cool for 15 minutes.
• Peel carefully and give a quick rinse under running water to remove any remaining bits of shell.