🥚 The Genius Egg-Peeling Trick from Chef Jacques Pépin
If you’ve ever struggled to peel a hard-boiled egg — ending up with bits of shell stuck or whites full of craters — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common kitchen frustrations.
Fortunately, renowned French chef Jacques Pépin has a brilliantly simple solution that can save you time (and patience).
The Secret Starts Before Boiling
Pépin suggests poking a tiny hole in the wider end of the egg before it goes into the pot.
This little puncture allows trapped air to escape during cooking.
As the egg heats, the air pocket shrinks, loosening the thin membrane that makes peeling so difficult.
How to Do It
No special tools are needed — just a pin, needle, or thumbtack.
Carefully poke a small hole (don’t go deep, just pierce the shell).
Place the egg in boiling water as usual.
Cook to your preferred doneness.
When the eggs are ready, you’ll find the shells slip off smoothly — often in one or two clean pieces.
Why It Works
By releasing the air pocket early, the shell separates more easily from the cooked white, leaving you with a smooth, flawless egg.
No more endless picking, no more frustration — just perfectly peeled eggs in seconds.
Perfect for Everyday Cooking
Whether you’re making quick breakfasts, prepping snacks, or building the perfect salad, Pépin’s tip is:
✔️ Simple
✔️ Reliable
✔️ Beginner-friendly
✨ A small trick with a big payoff — proof that in the kitchen, sometimes the tiniest steps make all the difference.