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Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs and The BEST Egg Salad Recipe
When it comes to making hard-boiled eggs, we’ve all been there—struggling to get that perfect balance between a tender white and a creamy yolk. But what if there was a way to get consistent, perfect eggs every time with minimal effort? Enter the Instant Pot! This kitchen gadget is a game-changer when it comes to cooking eggs, and the result is perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel, every time. Paired with the BEST egg salad recipe, you’ve got a meal that’s nutritious, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot and turn them into a delicious, creamy egg salad that will become your new go-to lunch or snack. Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead, hosting a picnic, or just need a quick and filling meal, this combo is sure to impress.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Hard-Boiled Eggs?
The Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) has taken the stress out of many classic kitchen tasks, and hard-boiled eggs are no exception. Here are a few reasons why cooking eggs in the Instant Pot is the way to go:
- Consistent Results: The pressure cooker cooks eggs evenly every time, giving you consistent, perfectly hard-boiled eggs with no guesswork.
- Easy Peeling: One of the most frustrating parts of boiling eggs is getting the shell to come off cleanly. The Instant Pot helps eggs peel easily, thanks to the way it cooks them under pressure.
- Quick: Unlike traditional boiling, which can take up to 10-12 minutes, the Instant Pot can cook eggs in just 5 minutes, with additional time for pressurizing and natural release.
- Hands-Off Cooking: You don’t need to babysit your eggs—simply set the timer, and the Instant Pot will do the rest.
Now that you know why the Instant Pot is a great tool for making perfect hard-boiled eggs, let’s dive into the recipe!
How to Make Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
Ingredients:
- 6-12 large eggs (depending on the size of your Instant Pot and how many eggs you need)
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Add Water to the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. The water is necessary to create the steam that will cook the eggs under pressure.
- Place the Eggs in the Instant Pot: Put the eggs on the trivet or in an egg rack (if you have one). If you don’t have a trivet, you can carefully stack the eggs directly in the pot, but using a trivet is ideal for even cooking.
- Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook: Close the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and adjust the time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural Release: After the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll hear the pressure release valve make a hissing sound as the pressure decreases. Once the time is up, carefully open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water or very cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent the yolks from becoming overcooked. Let the eggs sit in the ice water for at least 5 minutes to chill and cool down completely.
- Peel and Enjoy: Gently tap the eggs on the counter to crack the shells, then peel them under running water for easy removal. The shells should come off easily, leaving you with beautiful, perfect hard-boiled eggs.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Adjusting the Time: If you prefer softer yolks (slightly less cooked), reduce the cook time by a minute or two. For firmer yolks, increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
- Cooking More Eggs: You can cook up to 12 eggs at once in a 6-quart Instant Pot, so feel free to scale the recipe based on your needs.
- Storing: Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep them in their shells to maintain freshness.
The BEST Egg Salad Recipe
Now that you’ve got your perfect hard-boiled eggs, it’s time to turn them into a mouthwatering egg salad. This egg salad recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or just on its own with some crackers or veggies for dipping.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (adjust to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a little tang)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, adds a slight zing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional, for a pop of freshness)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery (adds a nice crunch)
- 1 tablespoon finely diced red onion (adds a bit of sweetness)
Instructions:
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