How Long to Boil an Ostrich Egg

About this egg

Ostrich Egg Facts

The ostrich egg is the largest egg produced by any living bird. A typical egg measures about 15 cm long, 13 cm wide, and weighs between 1 and 2 kg. The shell is creamy white, smooth, and very thick — approximately 2 to 3 mm, compared to 0.3 mm for a hen egg. This shell is strong enough that a human can stand on an uncracked ostrich egg without breaking it.

The egg contains an enormous yolk, proportionally very large compared to the total volume. The contents are equivalent to 20 to 24 large hen eggs, making a single ostrich egg enough for a substantial group meal. The flavor is similar to a hen egg but richer and slightly creamier.

Ostrich eggs are available from farms that raise ostriches commercially, usually on order. They are far less common than other eggs and can be expensive. The shells are also prized as decorative and artistic objects — the thick shell can be engraved, carved, and painted.

Shell

How to Crack and Open an Ostrich Egg Shell

The shell is the biggest challenge with ostrich eggs. At 2 to 3 mm thick, it cannot be cracked by tapping on a surface the way you would a hen egg. You need a tool designed to cut or drill through hard material.

The best methods:

• Small hacksaw or serrated knife: score a circle around the top of the egg, working around evenly. Once you have scored deeply enough, the top can be tapped off with the back of a heavy knife or a mallet. This is the cleanest method for a raw egg and produces a nice bowl-shaped shell.
• Hammer and chisel: tap a chisel along a scored line to crack the shell in sections. Messier than sawing, but no specialist tools needed.
• Drill: drill a small hole, then use scissors or a craft knife to cut outward from the hole. Good for emptying a raw egg if you want to keep the shell intact for decoration.

For a boiled ostrich egg, the simplest approach is to saw around the top third after it has cooled, then spoon or scoop the contents out from the shell. The shell makes a dramatic serving vessel for scrambled egg or egg salad back inside it.

Method

How to Boil an Ostrich Egg Step by Step

1. Scrub the egg under cold running water with a soft brush.
2. Find a pot large enough to hold the egg with at least 3 cm of water above it. A large stockpot or canning pot usually works. Add a generous amount of salt.
3. Bring the water to a boil. Then lower the egg carefully using both hands or a large ladle. The egg is heavy (up to 2 kg) — lower slowly to avoid splashing boiling water.
4. Once the water returns to a gentle boil, start timing. Maintain a steady but not violent boil throughout.
5. Soft-boiled: 45 minutes. Hard-boiled: 60 to 90 minutes (depending on egg size).
6. Carefully remove the egg (tongs or two ladles) and transfer to a large bowl of cold water. Leave for at least 10 minutes.
7. Open the shell using a small saw, chisel, or drill as described above. Scoop out or serve directly in the shell.

Cooking chart

Ostrich Egg Cooking Time Chart

In the kitchen

How to Use Ostrich Eggs in the Kitchen

An ostrich egg can replace hen eggs in almost any recipe. One ostrich egg is roughly equivalent to 20 to 24 large hen eggs by volume, so adjust quantities accordingly. Measure the beaten contents by cup or gram rather than by egg number.

Ostrich eggs work well scrambled (use a large pan and low heat — the sheer volume takes time to set), in large frittatas or omelets (enough for 10 to 12 people), and in batched baked goods. They can also be used to make a spectacular centerpiece egg salad or deviled egg platter when hard-boiled and cut into thick slices.

For boiling, the most practical use is as a group or event egg: a single hard-boiled ostrich egg, sliced and served on a platter with good condiments, is a conversation piece and a genuine feast.

Chef tip

Checking Freshness Before Cooking

An ostrich egg can keep at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks thanks to its thick shell. To check freshness before committing to an hour of boiling, place the egg in a large tub of water. A fresh egg sinks and lies on its side. An older egg tilts upward (the air pocket has grown). An egg that floats is not fresh and should not be cooked.

If you are not planning to cook the egg immediately, store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before boiling to reduce cracking from thermal shock.

Avoid this

Common Mistakes With Ostrich Eggs

• Using a pot that is too small, so the egg is not fully submerged and cooks unevenly.
• Dropping the egg into the water — at up to 2 kg, it will displace a massive wave of boiling water.
• Not having a plan for opening the shell before you start boiling.
• Underestimating the cooking time and pulling the egg out too early.
• Forgetting to cool in cold water long enough (at least 10 minutes) before attempting to open the shell.

Serving

Serving Ideas for Ostrich Eggs

A hard-boiled ostrich egg, sawn open at the top and placed on a board surrounded by bread, cured meats, and condiments, makes an extraordinary centerpiece for a brunch or garden party. The white is firm and mild; the yolk is rich and large. Slice it into thick rounds, season with flaky salt, olive oil, and herbs, and serve on a large platter.

Alternatively, scoop out a boiled ostrich egg and mix the contents into a large egg salad, deviled egg filling piped into the empty shell halves, or a massive frittata finished under the grill.

Leftovers

How to Store Cooked Ostrich Egg

Because of its size, a boiled ostrich egg almost always leaves leftovers. Store cooked ostrich egg in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3 to 4 days. The texture of the white may firm up further when refrigerated; reheat gently if needed. Do not attempt to freeze cooked egg white, as it becomes rubbery.

Tools

What You Need to Cook an Ostrich Egg

• Large stockpotMust be deep and wide enough to fully submerge the egg with 3 cm of water above it.
• Large ladle or both handsFor lowering and removing the heavy egg without splashing boiling water.
• Kitchen timerFor keeping track of the long cooking time.
• Large bowl of cold water or ice bathFor stopping cooking. Use a big bowl — the egg is large.
• Small hacksaw or strong serrated knifeFor opening the shell after cooking. Essential — the shell cannot be cracked by hand.
• Kitchen mallet or heavy knife backFor tapping along the cut line to separate the shell cap.

Keep cooking

Related Cooking Guides

• How long to boil hen eggs
• How long to boil goose eggs
• How long to boil duck eggs
• How long to boil quail eggs
• How long to boil turkey eggs