How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Duck Eggs

Table of Contents

Boiling Time for Duck Eggs

I prefer to use an instant pot pressure cooker to make these delicious hard boiled duck eggs, but you can also use a medium-sized saucepan on the stovetop. If using an instant pot, simply boil the duck eggs for 8 minutes to achieve the perfect hard boiled texture. The yolks will be fully cooked and dry, not runny. You don’t need to use a steamer rack or trivet, just place the eggs directly in the inner pot.

If you’re using a saucepan on the stove, make sure to arrange the eggs in a single layer and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 8 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.

The Difference Between Duck Eggs and Chicken Eggs

Duck eggs have a distinct appearance compared to chicken eggs. The whites of duck eggs appear thinner, while the yolks are larger. Please note that this observation may vary depending on the breed. Duck eggs are also more delicate and lighter to handle. Although they’re not as readily available as chicken eggs, we like to buy them from local farmers’ markets whenever we can.

When hard boiled, the yolks of duck eggs have a brighter yellow color compared to chicken eggs. The shells of duck eggs may also come in various shades, ranging from pale white to blue or green. However, the color of the shell doesn’t affect the taste or freshness of the eggs.

How To Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Duck Eggs

To make delicious hard boiled duck eggs in an instant pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

6 large duck eggs (or more, as long as they can fit in a single layer in the pot)
2 cups of water
½ teaspoon of baking soda (or salt)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Thoroughly wash the duck eggs, as they are more delicate than chicken eggs.
Place the eggs in a single layer in the inner pot of the instant pot.
Add water to the pot, ensuring that it barely covers the eggs. Sprinkle baking soda or salt into the water.
Close the instant pot with the lid in the sealing position.
Cook the eggs on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
While waiting, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl halfway with cold water and adding ice cubes.
After the 5-minute natural pressure release, carefully perform a manual pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid of the instant pot.
Transfer each egg to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Allow the eggs to sit in the ice water bath for at least 5 minutes.
Peel off the shells of the boiled eggs. If necessary, rinse the peeled eggs to remove any shell residue.
Transfer the prepared boiled eggs to a serving dish.
Enjoy the hard boiled duck eggs for breakfast or brunch with toast. They also make a filling protein-rich snack or a side dish for lunch or dinner. You can use them to make a hard boiled egg sandwich, deviled eggs, egg curry, egg salads, and more.
If you don’t plan on using the eggs immediately, store them refrigerated in food containers for up to 2 to 3 days.