How hot do eggs need to be cooked?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how hot do eggs need to be cooked” with an in-depth analysis of the internal temperature to which eggs need to be cooked. Moreover, we are going to discuss things to consider while buying, cooking, and storing eggs.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How hot do eggs need to be cooked?
Eggs need to be cooked till their internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is only by thorough cooking that you can get rid of the bacteria that found their way to your eggs. You should use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the cooked eggs.
Thus, the eggs will be properly cooked, thickened, with no runny yolk or visible liquid remaining when cooked till their internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the danger zone for foods?
The temperature range of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit is termed the danger zone. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store your eggs at a lower temperature.
How long do cooked eggs last?
Cooked eggs last for about 3-4 days after they have been cooked when stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
It is recommended to store cooked eggs in shallow containers so that they can cool evenly and quickly in the refrigerator. Always store the cooked eggs on one of the shelves of the refrigerator rather than the door as there are a lot of temperature fluctuations at the door of the fridge.
One thing to keep in mind is to let your cooked eggs cool thoroughly before putting them in the container or the zip-lock bag. If you put steaming hot cooked eggs in these airtight bags or containers, the moisture will build up inside them which can provide suitable conditions for the bacteria to grow but be sure to refrigerate them within 2 hours they are cooked.
Cooked eggs last for about 2 hours when left out of the fridge at room temperature.
You should discard the cooked eggs that have been left in open for more than 2 hours as bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore there are greater chances of the cooked eggs being already contaminated with bacteria when left out for more than 2 hours.
Moreover, if the temperature of the surroundings is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then the process of spoilage takes place at a faster pace and it is recommended to discard cooked eggs that are left out in the open for more than an hour at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is worth mentioning that the figures mentioned above represent the estimated time for which cooked eggs can stay good provided that they are stored properly.
Things to remember while buying, storing, and cooking eggs
- First thing first, never buy eggs with cracks on them.
- It is recommended to buy pasteurized eggs and egg products.
- Always check your egg carton for the Julian date
- It is always recommended to crack your eggs in separate bowls
- Wash all the utensils that you are going to use in the cooking process.
- Clean the counter.
- Change the pan from heat to no heat while cooking
- Scramble the eggs in butter to give them a light and airier texture
- You should remember never to stop stirring while cooking scrambled eggs
- Always cook your eggs properly till their internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To give your guests a restaurant-like experience, preheat your serving plates while cooking eggs and serve the eggs on these plates so that they will remain hot for quite a while.
- Refrigerate the eggs promptly at or below 40°F. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store your eggs at a lower temperature.
- You should store your eggs on the middle shelf of the fridge rather than the door as there are more temperature fluctuations at the door of the fridge.
You can read about Salmonella poisoning here.
Other FAQs about Eggs that you may be interested in.
How long are duck eggs good for?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how hot do eggs need to be cooked” with an in-depth analysis of the internal temperature to which eggs need to be cooked. Moreover, we discussed things to consider while buying, cooking, and storing eggs.
