UPDATE!!!!! Check out my new post on an even better method for ‘boiling’ your eggs. If you’ve been frustrating trying to boil fresh eggs in the past (can we say chunks of egg whites stuck to shells? Yes.) Then check out this new post for a REAL FOOLPROOF method that results in easily peeled eggs, even the super fresh ones! ———>>> STEAMED EGGS
Firm, protein packed whites. Rich, creamy, BIG yolks. DUCK EGGS make the BEST egg salad and devilled eggs, but first you must boil the perfect egg! Because duck eggs are so much larger than chicken eggs, the timing is essential to get a fully cooked yolk. I find that duck eggs peel much more easily than chicken eggs, but you still want to start your egg-boiling adventure by choosing the least fresh of your fresh eggs, preferably at least 1 week old.
Birdsong Farm ducks are free-ranged within safe electrified netting pens that are moved monthly which ensures they have fresh grass at all times plus plenty of worms, grubs and garden extras. Buy our eggs fresh from the farm most days or request local delivery.
Prep Time | 1 minute |
Cook Time | 10 minutes |
Passive Time | 10 minutes |
Servings |
eggs
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- 12 Eggs (duck eggs)
- Cool tap water Just cover eggs in pot
Ingredients
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- To begin, choose a pot that will fit all your eggs in a single layer at the bottom of the pot without much empty room. Just cover your eggs with cool tap water.
- Turn heat to high and bring eggs to a rolling boil, uncovered, for 30 seconds to 1 full minute. (30 seconds will leave some larger eggs soft boiled in the center, 1 minute fully cooks all yolks)
- After boiling for 30-60 seconds, turn heat off and cover the pot. Set a timer for 10 minutes and allow eggs to 'steam' in the pot. * Note: i use the same method for chicken eggs but steam for just 8 minutes.
- Carefully drain the hot water off your eggs. You may choose to place the eggs in a bowl of ice water, or just rinse with cold tap water. The temp of the cooler water may make your eggs be easier to peel.
- Peel and eat! See peeling tips below.
- How to store: Keep your eggs in the fridge for several days. USDA recommends eating them within just a few days, but i have kept them in the fridge for over a week with no ill effect.
You may choose to adjust the period of time you let the water boil before turning off the heat: longer makes a firmer yolk, less time makes a softer yolk. You may also prefer to set your timer for another minute if your eggs aren't cooked to your liking. I personally boil for 30 seconds, steam for 10 minutes and only cool the cooked eggs in tap water before putting in the fridge: this allows the eggs to continue cooking slightly as they cool down.
Duck egg shells are quite thick, so expect your fingers to experience a bit of poking as you peel (i’ve even cut my thumbs when peeling a batch of 3 dozen eggs!) but once you get the shell started it peels off in large sheets, a bit like an orange. I think peeling duck eggs is fun!
Stop by the farm most days to purchase Birdsong Farm pasture-raised duck eggs, or request local delivery or find us at market during the summer months.
I.I. says
Finally someone who gives instructions to the point. All I wanted who the timing. Thank you so much!
michael parker says
Very helpful thank you!
Jack says
The duck eggs are hard to peel and I seem to lose a lot of the white part while peeling, can this be stopped I’ve tried everything
Miranda Rommel says
Boil older eggs 🙂 I usually boil the ones that have been in my fridge a few weeks.
L says
Cut the boiled eggs and scoop out of the shell 🙂
Miranda Rommel says
No reason to hassle with that if you steam the eggs like this instead. They peel easily.
Sue Manley says
The eggs are in the big pan getting ready to boil. This is fun. Thank you for your recipe.
Dana Adamson says
I used your recipe and tips here with this recipe last week. For the first time in EVER I didn’t end up with ugly-eggs. They were absolutely perfect and beautiful. Thank you!!
Miranda Rommel says
So great to hear that!
Gloria Dodhe says
Thank you Michael for this helpful information.
Your website is beautifully illustrated.
Today will be my first experience with duck eggs. Wish me luck! I’ll let you know how they turn out!
Gloria in Kentucky.
Miranda Rommel says
Good luck!!