If you’re looking for egg substitutes because you’re vegan, have an egg allergy, or just want to try something new, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s talk about all the different egg replacement options are and what they’re best for.
We’ll cover everything from baking without eggs to using egg replacers in savory dishes. So whether you’re looking to bake a cake or make some scrambled eggs, we’ve got you covered!
Impossibly Good Egg Substitutes for Baking, Cooking, and More
Eggs are an important and versatile ingredient in baking and cooking, performing a variety of functions that help create the perfect dish. In baking, eggs serve as binding agents to hold together all other ingredients while providing moisture.
They also provide leavening power when whipped with sugar or beaten until fluffy.
In savory dishes, eggs act as thickening agents for sauces and custards, and can be used to bind ingredients like meatballs or burgers. Eggs also add flavor to dishes like quiches or frittatas—not to mention they’re a great source of protein!
With so many uses in the kitchen, it’s no wonder why eggs play such an essential role in our recipes!
What Are Some Good Egg Substitutes That Actually Work?
Replacing eggs in recipes can be a great way to make meals and treats that are vegan-friendly, allergen-free, or just different from what you’re used to.
There are many egg substitutes available on the market today that provide similar functions as eggs without having to use animal products or ingredients containing allergens.
Egg replacements can also help reduce cholesterol levels for people who follow a plant-based diet and add extra nutrition like fiber, iron, and other vitamins and minerals.
Finally, using alternative ingredients like flaxseed meal or tofu can give dishes an interesting twist while still providing some of the same benefits of traditional egg recipes.
Whether you’re trying to go vegan or just want something new in your kitchen repertoire, replacing eggs with alternatives is a great place to start!
What Are My Favorite Egg Replacements?
Some of my favorite egg substitutes include:
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Flaxseed Meal
- Tofu
- Aquafaba
- Chia Seeds
- Yogurt
- Nut Butter or Tahini
- Silken Tofu
- Arrowroot Starch/Flour
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Off-the-Shelf Egg Replacer (paid link) (I know there are several out there, but this is my absolute favorite and I’ve used it in so many recipes on the fly and it’s super reliable – so if you want to go with an off-the-shelf option, this is my honest recommendation)
Which Egg Substitutes Work Best for Baking, Cooking, Etc.?
Let’s explore what each of these ingredients is best used for and when I’d grab that instead of cracking an egg.
- Bananas: Like applesauce, mashed bananas are perfect for replacing eggs in baked goods. To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of mashed banana.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is a great egg substitute for baking, as it adds moisture and sweetness to the dish. To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
- Flaxseed Meal (or Ground Flax): This is a great egg replacer for baking, as it adds moisture and binds ingredients together like eggs do. To use flaxseed meal in place of one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
- Tofu: Tofu is a great egg replacer for savory dishes like quiches and scrambles. To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of mashed firm tofu.
- Aquafaba: This is the liquid from a can of chickpeas and it has gained popularity in recent years as an egg substitute for baking and cooking. To replace one egg, use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba. You can also whip it up with sugar to make meringue or cake frosting!
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are another great egg substitute for baking and can be used in a similar way to flaxseed meal. To replace one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency (about 10 minutes).
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt can be a great replacement for eggs in baking, as it adds moisture and flavor. To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of plain yogurt.
- Nut Butter or Tahini: Nut butters and tahini are great egg replacements for baked goods, as they add richness and a chewy texture. To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of nut butter or tahini.
- Silken Tofu: If you’re looking for an egg replacer to make savory dishes like quiches or scrambles, silken tofu is a great substitute. To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of silken tofu blended until smooth.
- Arrowroot Starch/Flour: Arrowroot starch or flour is a great alternative to eggs in baking. To replace one egg, use 1 tablespoon of arrowroot starch/flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: A combination of baking soda and vinegar can be used as an egg replacement in baking. To replace one egg, use 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Off-the-Shelf Egg Replacer (paid link): There are several different brands of off-the-shelf egg replacers available on the market today. Generally, you just need to mix a few tablespoons of the replacer with water to replace one egg. Check the instructions on your product for exact measurements.
These are just a few of the many egg substitutes available, so experiment with different ingredients to find something that works best for you!
Whatever egg replacement you choose, just remember that the key is to make sure you have enough liquid and other ingredients to help bind everything together.
Which Egg Substitute is Best?
The best egg substitute really depends on the type of recipe you’re making, as each substitute works differently in different dishes.
For example, bananas work great in cookies and cakes while flaxseed meal is better suited for breads and muffins. Experiment with different substitutes in your recipes to find what works best for you.
Can You Make Scrambled Eggs Without Eggs?
Yes! You can make scrambled eggs without eggs by using silken tofu instead. Just mash the tofu with a fork until it is a smooth, egg-like consistency, then cook it like you would regular scrambled eggs.
You can also add in other ingredients like vegetables and cheese for added flavor.
It may be a little more difficult to make things like omelettes without eggs, but that too can be done with some patience – and what is an omelette but a fancy scrambled egg, anyway?! LOL!
Can You Make French Toast Without Eggs?
Yes! To make French toast without eggs, simply replace the egg with a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.
Whisk together the milk with a bit of sugar and cinnamon, then dip your bread in the mixture before cooking as usual.
This will give you a delicious egg-free version of French toast that is still just as amazingly tasty.
Can You Make Pancakes Without Eggs?
Yes! Pancakes can be made without eggs by using a combination of other ingredients like mashed banana, yogurt, or nut butter.
Simply mix together the ingredients you choose until they form a batter-like consistency, then cook as usual. The pancakes will be just as fluffy and delicious – but egg-free!
I’ve made several recipes for egg-free pancakes including:
Can you Make Meringue Without Eggs?
Yes! Meringue can be made without eggs by using aquafaba – which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. Just whip together the aquafaba with some cream of tartar and sugar until it forms stiff peaks, then bake at a low temperature until it reaches a glossy finish.
Aquafaba meringue is a great egg-free alternative that tastes just as delicious!
I’ve made them myself for several recipes that are some of my favorites:
- Rainbow Swirl Meringue Cookies (Egg Free)
- Eggless Meringue Cookie Sandwiches
- Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie
No matter what type of recipe you’re making, there are plenty of egg substitutes available to suit your needs. You Just have to find the right egg-free recipe.
How to Find Egg-Free Recipes
If you’re looking for egg-free recipes, there are a few great places to start. You can check out cookbooks or websites specifically devoted to egg-free cooking.
Many traditional recipes can easily be made eggless if you know the right substitutions. You can also search online for specific ingredients – like tofu scrambles or banana bread – to find egg-free recipes.
But one often overlooked resource for egg-free recipe alternatives is VEGAN recipes. Even if you’re not vegan, many vegan recipes are perfect for those avoiding eggs. So don’t be afraid to give vegan cooking a try!
What Are Some of My Favorite Eggless Recipes?
I am all about that egg-free baking, in particular. So, I have quite a few recipes on my site that are egg-free, even for more traditional tastes. Som of my favorite eggless recipes are:
- Eggless Lemon Meringue Pie
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake
- Banana Nut Chai Pudding
- Banana Chocolate French Toast
- 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
- Peach Custard Tarts
- Butterbeer Crepes
- Hawaiian Scones
Are All Vegan Recipes Egg-Free?
Because there is no vegan certification standard or anything controlling all the definitions people use for things like the word “vegan”, no, not all vegan recipes are egg-free. Some recipe developers may just not understand the difference between vegan (absolutely no animal by-products) and vegetarian (some animal by-products).
As a result, some vegan recipes may include eggs or other animal products like dairy and honey. So it’s important to read the recipes carefully to make sure your food is truly egg-free, if that’s your goal.
For those with allergies to eggs, it’s also important to know which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction and take precautions when cooking.
How Easy Is It to Cook Without Eggs?
Cooking and baking without eggs can be tricky at first, but once you find the right ingredients and recipes it can be surprisingly easy.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to look for recipes that call for other binding agents (like nut butter or chia seeds) that will help keep the food together in absence of eggs. Many egg-free dishes also include ingredients like cheese, applesauce and flaxseeds that help add flavor and texture. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to make egg-free dishes with ease!
In the end, cooking without eggs doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful.
How Do You Replace Eggs When Baking?
When baking without eggs, it’s important to find the right substitution. Depending on the recipe you’re making, some ingredients work better than others.
In most cases, vegan substitutes like flaxseed meal or chia seeds are best for replacing eggs in baked goods.
Other common egg replacements include mashed bananas, nut butter, aquafaba and yogurt. If a recipe calls for an egg to help bind everything together, you may also want to add additional ingredients like applesauce or oil to get a similar texture.
Remember that each substitution works differently depending on the type of food you’re making, so experiment and find what works best for you!
Why Are Eggs So Expensive Right Now?
The price of eggs has increased recently due to a combination of factors. It started with the pandemic, which caused an overall increase in food prices, as well as disruption to supply chains and transportation networks.
Additionally, demand for eggs has been higher than normal since many people are cooking and baking from home more often. Finally, egg production slowed at the beginning of 2020 due to the death of millions of chickens from avian flu, which caused a shortage in eggs.
So, we’re just seeing the culmination of several things happening at once in the egg industry that have resulted in eggs costing (in some cases) astronomically more than just a few months ago.
Why Did I Cut Eggs Out of My Cooking?
There are a variety of reasons why people choose to avoid eggs in their cooking. Some may have allergies to eggs, while others are looking for healthier alternatives.
For some, the decision may be rooted in ethical or moral beliefs about animal welfare and humane farming practices. Regardless of your motivation, cutting out eggs from your diet can be simple once you know a few tricks!
Personally, I cut out eggs because a couple of my family members are allergic. I still do occasionally indulge in making myself and the other non-allergic member of my household some deviled eggs or an omelette, but mostly when my allergic family-members are not around.
So, again, it’s a personal choice that different people make and, in my situation, it had everything to do with allergies in our household.
Eggs are an incredibly versatile ingredient and can be used in so many different dishes. But with the right egg replacements and egg-free recipes, it’s easy to enjoy delicious food without ever using eggs.
Plus, egg alternatives are a great way to reduce your cholesterol and calories, while still enjoying delicious meals. With a little creativity and experimentation, you’ll soon be cooking up healthier egg-free dishes that everyone will love!