Peeling hard-boiled eggs can often feel like a frustrating challenge. You know the struggle—bits of shell clinging to the egg white, ruining its smooth surface, and making what should be a simple task feel like an ordeal. But what if there was a way to peel eggs effortlessly, every single time? Chef Jacques Pépin has a simple, foolproof trick that will change the way you make hard-boiled eggs forever. It involves one tiny step that makes a big difference—poking a small hole in the eggshell before boiling.

This little tweak to your egg-boiling routine makes peeling hard-boiled eggs a breeze. According to Jacques Pépin, by poking a small hole in the broad side of the egg before dropping it into boiling water, you can avoid the frustration of a stubborn shell that sticks to the egg white. It’s a remarkably simple trick, but the results are game-changing. Once you start using this method, peeling eggs will no longer feel like a dreaded chore.

The science behind this tip is rooted in how eggs cook. As an egg heats up, the air pocket inside the shell expands. When you don’t release this air, it can cause the egg white to stick to the shell, making it difficult to peel the egg cleanly. However, by poking a tiny hole in the broad end of the shell, you allow the air to escape during the cooking process. This means that when it comes time to peel, the shell will slide off easily, leaving behind a perfectly smooth egg.

So, how exactly do you make this tiny hole in the egg without cracking it? Thankfully, it’s easier than you might think, and you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets to do it. A simple pin or thumbtack will do the trick. Hold the egg firmly in one hand and gently pierce the broad end of the egg with the pin. Make sure the hole is just large enough to allow air to escape without damaging the egg. This simple step is key to ensuring a perfectly peeled egg.

Once you’ve made the small hole, you’re ready to cook your eggs. Drop them into a pot of boiling water and follow your usual method for making hard-boiled eggs. Whether you prefer to boil them for 9 to 12 minutes, depending on how firm you like your yolks, this small change will make a big difference. The result? Perfectly peeled hard-boiled eggs every time.

The beauty of Jacques Pépin’s method is that it requires no special tools or advanced culinary skills. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this trick is easy to master. It’s especially helpful for those busy mornings when you want a quick, healthy snack or breakfast without the hassle of stubborn egg shells.

Imagine peeling an egg effortlessly, revealing its perfectly smooth, round white. No more picking at tiny bits of shell or ruining the appearance of your eggs. This simple trick takes the stress out of the process, making it enjoyable and frustration-free. With this tip, perfectly peeled eggs are no longer a rare treat but something you can achieve every single time.

Aside from being incredibly practical, this method also offers a valuable lesson in the art of cooking. Jacques Pépin’s extensive experience in the kitchen has led him to discover countless techniques that simplify meal preparation. This egg-peeling hack is just one of the many ways he turns everyday tasks into easy, enjoyable experiences.

So, the next time you boil eggs, remember Jacques Pépin’s foolproof tip. A small hole in the shell is all it takes to make peeling a breeze. No more struggling, no more frustration—just smooth, perfectly peeled eggs that are ready for your salads, snacks, or breakfast plates. Once you try this technique, you’ll never look at hard-boiled eggs the same way again. Your mornings, and your egg dishes, will never be the same!