Even though egg yolks don’t provide any flavor, in a recipe, they are often very important for structure and binding in baking. Many people also choose to not use eggs, as they may affect the cholesterol levels as well as cause allergic reactions. Using the right egg yolk substitute can help keep you healthy and maintain the quality of your recipes.
Best Egg Yolk Substitute
Choose the best egg yolk substitute from the list to enhance the flavor of your recipe. There are many alternatives like soy lecithin, flaxseed, silken tofu, and many starch-based options.
Make Your Own
It is possible to make your own egg yolk substitute instead of buying pre-made products. Take one cup of flour and blend it thoroughly with two cups of water. Then, cook this over low heat in a double boiler for 45 minutes. Blend in a few tablespoons of oil and a pinch of salt. Keep the resulting mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. This alternative will act as an egg yolk substitute for meatloaf, meat patties, or veggie burgers. [1]
Starch-based Alternatives
Using starch for replacing egg yolk may be a great option as it is low in calories. For substituting 2 egg yolks, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch, whichever you like, and mix it with 1 tablespoon of potato starch and some gelatin. Add 1/2 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of soybean oil and mix all the ingredients well. This is a fairly simple substitute to make too.
Top egg yolks with oregano and pepper for a delicious breakfast. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is a byproduct of soybean oil. One tablespoon of lecithin will replace one egg yolk. It also promotes HDL or good cholesterol, in place of the high cholesterol in egg yolks, since it is not an animal product. Soy lecithin can usually be found in health food stores, either in powder or granule form. [2]
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a hugely popular egg substitute that is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Take one tablespoon of finely ground flaxseed powder and mix it with ¼ cup of water. Stir until the seeds have soaked up the water and the flax paste has a jelly-like texture. Flaxseed will bind like egg yolks and will also add a nutty flavor to your dish. [3]
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu will provide the same kind of binding as egg yolks and is flavorless and odorless. Use silken tofu as it has a high water content and a smoother texture. A ¼ cup of silken tofu can easily replace one egg yolk. Blend or puree the tofu first to make sure the texture is consistent and loose. Using tofu as an egg yolk substitute will make your recipes very moist, but also quite dense.
Soy Yogurt
Soy yogurt is a great egg yolk substitute that can make your dish fluffy and light. 1/4th cup of soy yogurt can easily imitate one egg yolk.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For recipes that call for lighter, airier textures, try using 1 teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar for each egg yolk. This will provide the binding the recipe needs, but with extra leavening power.
Other Substitutes
There are many egg yolk alternatives you can use if you want to get creative with your recipe. They include applesauce, banana sauce, and mayonnaise.
