Eggs are very important in every kitchen. They are breakfast essentials. Who doesn’t like baked items, well eggs are the backbone of these items. But eggs can cause allergies or some people don’t consume them due to ethical reasons. This is why, the search for replacement of eggs is at its peak. According to our research, you can replace eggs in most recipes. This won’t change the texture and the taste of these recipes. Learn about replacements of eggs in this article.
Why Eggs are Important?
Eggs are important for a lot of recipes. Here are some important roles of eggs in your favorite dishes.
- Binding – Eggs hold all the ingredients in recipes such as veggie burgers and meatloaf.
- Leavening – Eggs help raise the baked goods and give them a fluffy texture.
- Moisture – Eggs are added to recipes to make sure that they don’t try.
- Flavor – They provide a mild flavor to dishes like custards and quiches.
- Emulsification – Eggs are a great emulsification agent. They blend ingredients in salad dressings and sauces together. Some ingredients that they can mix well are vinegar and oil.
Why Remove Eggs from Recipes?
Eggs are a complete dose of instant energy thanks to their vitamins and minerals. However, some people still want to remove them from recipes for different reasons. Several of those reasons are given below.
- Allergies – Eggs can cause allergy which leads to various symptoms including rashes and severe anaphylaxis. They mostly cause allergies in children.
- Vegan Diet – Eggs aren’t present in vegan diets because they come from animals. So, vegans want to replace eggs in their diet.
- Health Issues – Eggs also have cholesterol so people avoid them due to health issues. Excessive consumption can cause high blood pressure and heart issues.
- Environmental Concerns – Egg production is happening on an industrial scale nowadays. So, those who want to protect nature avoid eggs.
Related: Egg-Free Baking: 5 Substitutes to Use in Your Recipes
Popular Alternatives to Eggs
In some recipes, you can’t replace eggs completely. But don’t worry as some egg alternatives are available now. Below are some popular alternatives to eggs.
1. Flaxseeds
Eggs are important for baking but you can replace them with flaxseeds. Thanks to their gel-like consistency, they can bind just like eggs. Flaxseeds can work well in cookies, brownies, pancakes, and muffins. According to a study, flaxseeds don’t change the texture or taste of baked items.
- Use – Add 1 spoonful of flaxseeds with 3 spoons of water and wait for it to thicken.
2. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds also become a gel and they can bind baked goods. Use chia seed gel in pancakes, breads, and cakes. The research found that chia seeds provide the same texture in baked goods.
- Use – Add 1 spoon of chia seeds with three spoons of water to make a gel. You’ll have to wait for 15 minutes before it becomes the gel.
3. Mashed Bananas
Bananas are natural sweeteners and moisturizers. You can use them in pancakes, muffins, and cakes. But use bananas with care as they’ll add the banana flavor to your foods.
- Use – A fourth of a cup of mashed bananas can replace eggs in your favorite recipe.
4. Applesauce
Applesauce is a great alternative to eggs. It is a great moisturizer and doesn’t necessarily change the flavor to that extent. It works well in brownies, cakes, and muffins. Journal of Food Quality found that applesauce provides the same softness and moisture as cakes.
- Use – Use one-fourth of a cup of the applesauce to replace one egg.
5. Silken Tofu
Quiches and custards need eggs for structure and moisture. But, congratulations as you can now add silken tofu to them. The tofu also works well in dense cakes and brownies. It won’t change the taste of your dish because it’s flavorless.
- Use – Replace one egg with one-fourth of a cup of tofu.
6. Aquafaba
If you ever purchase a can of legumes, you’ll get liquid in the can along with legumes. This liquid is called aquafaba. It works the same as an egg meaning you can add in macarons and meringues. Aquafaba is also best for mayonnaise. It has the same foaming properties as egg whites.
- Use – Replace one egg with 3 spoons of aquafaba.
7. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Help your baked items rise by adding baking soda and vinegar to them. Both of them are great for leavening. You can add them to quick breads, cupcakes, and other cakes. In tests, we found out that the mixture of both items worked just like eggs.
- Use – Mix 1 spoon of vinegar and 1 spoon of baking soda instead of an egg.
8. Commercial Egg Replacers
Some egg replacers are also available in the market. Their sole purpose is to replace eggs in recipes but they aren’t all natural. You can use them in all your favorite recipes. They are made of leavening agents and starches. Just follow the instructions on the pack.
Is it possible to Replace Eggs in all Recipes?
Well, the simple answer is that no, you can’t replace eggs in all recipes. While substitutes for eggs are available they aren’t all perfect. Below are some recipes where it is almost impossible to replace eggs.
- Baking – Baking requires binding, leavening, and moisture. Eggs can do all this so replacing them is difficult. You can use alternates you’ll have to sacrifice taste.
- Breakfast – Eggs are the backbone of a breakfast. Chickpea flour and tofu are great for replacing eggs. But both of them just mimic the texture of eggs. Make a vegan omelet with chickpea flour and tofu scramble.
- Dressings and Sauces – Silken tofu and aquafaba have the same emulsifying properties but their taste isn’t like eggs. Therefore, use them with care.
- Coating and Breading – Before frying and breading, a coating of eggs is usually done items. Replace the coating with milk or a mixture of water and flour. This way, the breadcrumbs will stick together.
- Puddings and Custards – Eggs make custards and puddings creamy. Cornstarch and silken tofu can do the same but the texture will be different.