Making Amazing Japanese Molded Eggs

Why molded eggs?

The 60's called and they want their egg misconceptions back! Eggs are healthy after all! Research now shows that dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol. Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and carotenoids. Eat them in moderation as part of a healthy complete and balanced diet.

Why molded eggs? Kids love them, they add a fun twist to a familiar shape, and well...they're just so darn cute!

Choose organic vegetarian-fed eggs

Look specifically for "organic" and "vegetarian-fed" on the package.

For molded eggs, use "Large" eggs. Doesn't matter if they're white or brown.

DID YOU KNOW? What makes some hardboiled eggs easy to peel when other times you need a hammer and chisel? For eggs that peel easily, let them stay in your fridge for 4 or 5 days first before hardboiling. Very fresh eggs are hard to peel when hardboiled.

Step 1: Introducing Japanese Egg Molds

These are plastic, hinged molds that snap shut. You can find them on ebay (search "egg molds") or in Japanese groceries or specialty shops (easier to find in cities like NYC or San Francisco)

They come in various shapes such as cars or animals, including character shapes such as Hello Kitty.

Step 2: Boiling Your Eggs

How to Boil a Perfect Egg

Fill your pot with cold water, add the eggs gently, and place over high heat.

When the water comes to a boil, remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Drain immediately (and unless you're doing egg molds, pour in some cool water to stop the eggs from cooking further). You will have a perfectly hardboiled egg.

Step 3: Peel the Egg Quickly While HOT!

Peel the egg while it's still very hot. Don't run cold water over them or let them sit around to cool. A cold egg can't be molded.

Peel it immediately and run it under cold water occasionally if it is too hot for your fingers. Hot hot hot!!

Step 4: Place Your Egg in the Mold

Place the egg in the mold fat side down.

It will look very big in the mold--don't worry, it'll fit! Really!

Step 5: Close your Mold

Press firmly!

Step 6: Snap it Shut!

Snap the mold shut. Let it cool on the counter for about 15 minutes or drop it into a pan filled with cold water for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Remove Egg from Mold

Open the mold and give the egg a gentle wiggle to pop it out of the mold.

When you wash your egg mold, wash it by hand rather than sticking them in the dishwasher. Washing by hand will maintain the smooth surface better, allowing eggs to release more easily.

Optional: Color the Eggs

Add a little food coloring to give your eggs a little more pizazz. We used 100% natural food dye; you can also use beet juice or blueberry juice.

Proud Recipient of The Hungry Squidz Choice Award