Yes. Your recipe requires extra precaution when using the microwave. They stay good in the fridge, whether peeled or unpeeled, and it is safe to eat cold or hot.
Some people prefer preparing egg dishes to eat them immediately, but you can still have leftover boiled eggs that can be reheated later using any method of your choice. Overcooking causes the outer part of the yolk to turn green and the white part of the egg to get rubbery.
Microwaving a boiled egg
Microwaving boiled eggs is dangerous because of explosion due to trapped pressure inside the egg membrane. However, you can reheat boiled eggs in the microwave using proper techniques and tips to save time and reduce the chances of bursting.
Add water to the dish of peeled eggs to prevent the egg from becoming too hot and exploding. The yolk is prone to explosion when microwaving. Follow the tips below to reduce the danger.
Steps
- Place boiled eggs on a microwave-safe dish.
- Pour water until it covers the eggs.
- Heat the bowl and eggs at medium temperature in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Continue microwaving for 1-minute increments until the egg reaches your preferred temperature level.
- Serve.
Steamer
The steaming method works better for reheating multiple boiled eggs at once. Steaming boiled eggs make them easy to peel. Some of the air from the hot steam goes through the eggshell, making the egg easier to peel. Steaming ensures that vitamins and minerals are retained during cooking (Tupperware.ie).
Steps
- Set up your steamer.
- Add water to the lower compartment and bring it to a boil.
- Place your eggs in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
- Warm for 2-3 minutes, turning once at the halfway mark.
- Remove from the basket and serve.
The time it takes to warm your eggs depends on how cold they are. If straight from the fridge, it may take a little longer than from room temperature while waiting for the water in your steamer to heat up. Use a regular pot, a colander, and a lid as an alternative.
This method works well, but not more than heating your eggs in hot water. The steamer is ideal for soft-boiled eggs, but you need to reduce their warming time to prevent overheating them.
Best method
Stovetop
4-to 5 minutes is just a suggested time frame. Sometimes the whites will be warm, but the yolk may still be cold. Leaving the eggs in the water for longer than 4-5 minutes does not bring negative results since the water will be cooling down.
There is no risk of overcooking the eggs. This method is low-risk and effective. Make sure the egg whites are nice and warm and the yolk hot. Boiled food retains its natural flavor without adding fats or oils (Jessicagavin.com).
Steps
- Boil some water on the stove or in a kettle.
- Remove the water from the pot and submerge your boiled eggs in it.
- Cover the pot with a lid and allow your eggs to warm for 4-5 minutes or more.
- Remove the eggs from the pot, pat them dry, and serve. You can also boil water in the microwave or even a coffee.
Storage
Keep boiled eggs in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can store them peeled or unpeeled. Keep unpeeled eggs in an airtight container. Line the container with a damp paper towel for peeled eggs and cover the eggs with another damp paper towel to keep them moist. Submerge the eggs in cold water instead of using paper towels. Change the water or the paper towels every two days.
Refrigerate your eggs within an hour after cooking them. Do not take them out of the fridge more than two hours before you intend to eat them.
Safe Temperatures
Ensure that internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius before eating. Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature of the reheated boiled egg before consuming it.
FAQs
Is It ok to reheat boiled eggs?
Yes, it is ok to reheat boiled eggs, but take precautions to prevent an explosion. Reheating boiled eggs may be dangerous when proteins in eggs are exposed to high temperatures. That attracts attention to toxic health concerns that are unsafe for consumption.
Reheated eggs and egg dishes are safe to consume if appropriately stored and reheated to the correct temperatures. Some cooked eggs and egg dishes require different reheating methods, including microwaving, boiling, frying, or baking. Avoid the potential risk of food-borne illnesses like Salmonella.
Can you eat cold-boiled eggs?
Yes, cold-boiled eggs are safe to eat. However, if you are not comfortable eating them cold, reheat them in the microwave before consuming them. Use the egg to make an egg salad or toppings, or make yourself a toasted sandwich.
Can you microwave-boiled eggs without the shell?
Yes, you can microwave-boiled eggs without the shell. If you microwave boiled eggs with an eggshell, there is a risk of explosion since pressure builds up as the egg heats inside the shell.
How to reheat soft-boiled eggs?
To reheat soft-boiled eggs, bring a small amount of water to a boil in a small pot. Turn the heat off, place your eggs in the pot and cover them with a lid. Heat for 3 minutes, remove and serve immediately. For room temperature eggs, reduce your warming time. The timing is for leftover soft-boiled eggs that have been refrigerated.
Do boiled eggs last longer, peeled or unpeeled?
Boiled eggs heat up faster without the shell, meaning you might consider peeling them before storing them in the refrigerator. Boiled eggs in the shell will keep longer in the fridge than unpeeled ones. However, there are ways to store them when peeled to keep them fresher longer.
An unpeeled boiled egg stays fresh for a week in the refrigerator. Use your senses to determine if they are still good. If they smell strong, leave them. Use peeled eggs within 2-3 days. There are multiple ways to help them stay fresh.
To keep the egg smell from dominating your refrigerator, you can put the eggs in an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag or a sealable plastic container. Another way to store peeled eggs is to place them in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Keep the bowl uncovered in your fridge, and change the water daily.