5-5-5 Hard-Boiled Egg IP Method

Instant Pot fool proof method for the perfect hard-boiled eggs! Hard-boiling eggs sounds simple until you're stuck peeling a dozen of them, only to find half the whites stuck to the shell. Enter the Instant Pot and its magical 5-5-5 method, which makes perfect, easy-to-peel eggs every time. Let’s dive in.

What Is the 5-5-5 Method?

It’s a system so simple you’ll wonder how you ever struggled before. Here’s the breakdown:

  • 5 minutes of cooking under pressure.

  • 5 minutes of natural release (this means you just let the pot sit for 5 minutes before doing anything).

  • 5 minutes in an ice bath to cool those eggs down and stop the cooking process.

How to Do It:

  1. Start by adding 1 cup of water into your Instant Pot. Place a trivet or egg rack inside, then add your eggs (as many as you want, up to 12—because why do this for just one or two eggs?).

  2. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes. High pressure, baby. Hit start and let it do its thing.

  3. After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Don’t touch that release valve just yet. It's time for the eggs to chill, figuratively.

  4. Once the 5 minutes are up, quick release any remaining pressure (careful, steam burns hurt—trust me on this one). Immediately transfer your eggs to an ice bath (a big bowl of cold water with ice cubes) for 5 minutes.

  5. After the ice bath, your eggs are ready! The shells practically slide off like they’re auditioning for a role in a peel-off mask commercial.

Why This Method Works:

The Instant Pot is a controlled environment, unlike a rolling boil on the stovetop where things can get wild. The pressure locks in the moisture, making sure the eggs cook evenly, and the ice bath shocks them into submission—no overcooking here!

A Couple of Pro Tips:

  • If you like a softer yolk, try the 4-4-4 method instead. It gives you slightly creamier centers.

  • Always use fresh eggs for best results. Older eggs tend to have rubbery whites, and nobody wants rubbery whites.

Now you’ve got perfect, peel-friendly hard-boiled eggs, whether you're making deviled eggs, egg salad, or just having them plain with a little salt and pepper. Plus, it’s another excuse to use your Instant Pot (which we all know has been sitting on the counter since that one time you made chili).

Enjoy!

Dan

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