Why does egg burst in a microwave and steamer but not boiling water?

Eggs burst in a microwave or steamer because of the rapid expansion of steam inside the shell. When an egg is heated in a microwave or steamer, the steam inside the shell builds up pressure and eventually causes the shell to burst. This is because microwaves and steamers heat food very quickly, causing the water inside the egg to turn into steam rapidly. In contrast, when an egg is boiled in water, the heat is transferred more gradually, allowing the steam to escape slowly through the pores in the shell. As a result, the egg does not burst.

Here are the key differences between microwaving, steaming, and boiling eggs:

- Microwaving: Microwaves heat food very quickly by using electromagnetic radiation. This causes the water inside the egg to turn into steam rapidly, building up pressure and causing the shell to burst.

- Steaming: Steaming is a cooking method that uses hot steam to cook food. Similar to microwaving, steaming also heats food quickly, causing the water inside the egg to turn into steam rapidly and potentially causing the shell to burst.

- Boiling: Boiling is a cooking method that involves submerging food in boiling water. The heat is transferred more gradually in boiling water, allowing the steam to escape slowly through the pores in the shell. As a result, the egg does not burst.

To prevent eggs from bursting in a microwave or steamer, you can:

- Pierce the shell: Before cooking an egg in a microwave or steamer, use a fork or toothpick to pierce a small hole in the bottom of the shell. This allows the steam to escape and prevents the shell from bursting.

- Cook on low power: If you are microwaving an egg, use a low power setting to heat the egg more gradually and reduce the risk of bursting.

- Use a steamer basket: When steaming eggs, place them in a steamer basket or colander to allow the steam to circulate freely around the eggs. This helps to prevent the shells from bursting.

- Add water: When boiling eggs, add a small amount of water to the pot to help regulate the temperature and prevent the eggs from bursting.

By following these tips, you can prevent eggs from bursting and enjoy perfectly cooked eggs every time.