If you’re a vegan, you’re probably well aware that eggs are off the menu. Whether it’s due to ethical reasons, health concerns or simply a desire to follow a plant-based lifestyle, there are many reasons why people choose to avoid eating eggs.
But what do vegans use instead of eggs in their cooking and baking? The good news is, there are plenty of alternatives out there that can help you to create delicious, egg-free dishes.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular vegan egg substitutes, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, applesauce, mashed bananas, silken tofu, soy yogurt, aquafaba, and vegan egg replacers. We’ll also provide tips on how to use them and share some handy tricks for vegan cooking and baking without eggs.
So let’s dive in and find out what do vegans use instead of eggs.
Flaxseed and Chia Seeds
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly egg substitutes, flaxseed and chia seeds are a great place to start. Both of these tiny seeds are packed with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, they are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from cakes and cookies to pancakes and waffles.
The easiest way to use flaxseed or chia seeds as an egg substitute is to create a “gel” by mixing the seeds with water. For flaxseed gel, combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. For chia gel, mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like.
| Flaxseed Gel | Chia Gel |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed | 1 tablespoon chia seeds |
| 3 tablespoons water | 3 tablespoons water |
Once you have your gel, you can use it to replace one egg in your recipe. The gel works particularly well in recipes that require structure, like cakes and breads. However, keep in mind that the gel can also add a slightly nutty flavour to your finished product.
If you’re looking for a slightly different flavour profile, you can try toasting the flaxseed or chia seeds before grinding them. This will add a rich, nutty flavour to your egg substitute.
Flaxseed and Chia Seed Tips:
- Be sure to use ground flaxseed, as whole flaxseeds will not create a gel.
- Chia seeds can be used whole, but they tend to create a more gelatinous texture than ground chia seeds.
- Experiment with the amount of seed gel you use in your recipes, as you may need more or less depending on the recipe.
Tip: If you don’t have ground flaxseed or chia seeds on hand, you can use a coffee grinder or food processor to grind them yourself.
Applesauce and Mashed Bananas
In addition to flaxseed and chia seeds, applesauce and mashed bananas are excellent vegan-friendly egg substitutes. They not only add natural sweetness to your recipes, but also provide moisture and a binding agent similar to eggs.
To use applesauce as a substitute, simply replace each egg with a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce. Mashed bananas can also be used in the same ratio – one quarter cup per egg. You can adjust the amounts depending on the recipe’s needs.
Tip: When using applesauce, it’s best to pair it with recipes that already include baking powder as it may not work well in recipes that require eggs to rise.
“I use mashed bananas in place of eggs for my vegan banana bread recipe, and it always turns out moist and delicious.” – Jane, Vegan baker
In addition to being a great egg substitute, applesauce and mashed bananas also add flavour and nutrition to your recipe. Applesauce can replace oil in some recipes, reducing the overall fat content. Mashed bananas are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fibre.
Silken Tofu and Soy Yogurt
Silken tofu and soy yogurt are two great vegan-friendly egg substitutes that can be used in both baking and cooking. They work especially well in recipes that require a creamy texture, such as in cheesecakes or custards.
Silken tofu is a soft, smooth tofu that blends easily, and it works well in recipes that require a silky texture. Simply blend a ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg until it reaches a smooth consistency and add it to your recipe as you would an egg.
| Silken Tofu: | Per Egg: |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup | Blended until smooth |
Soy yogurt, on the other hand, works well in recipes that require a tangy taste, such as in muffins or cakes. One egg can be substituted with ¼ cup of soy yogurt, which can be added as it is, without any additional blending.
| Soy Yogurt: | Per Egg: |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup | Added as is |
When using silken tofu or soy yogurt as an egg substitute, it’s important to note that the texture and flavour of the final product may differ slightly from the original recipe. However, with some experimentation and adjustment of recipes, these vegan egg substitutes can be used to create delicious and satisfying plant-based meals.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba is a vegan egg substitute that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is the liquid that is leftover from cooking chickpeas or other legumes.
Aquafaba can be used as an egg substitute in many vegan recipes, including meringues, macarons, and mousses. It can also be used as a binding agent in pancakes, waffles, and cakes.
The consistency of aquafaba is similar to that of egg whites, which is why it can be used in recipes that require whipped or foamed egg whites. It can be whipped with an electric mixer or a whisk until it forms stiff peaks, just like egg whites.
When using aquafaba, it’s important to use the right ratio of liquid to egg. Generally, three tablespoons of aquafaba can be used to replace one egg. However, this can vary depending on the recipe.
Aquafaba can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
If you’re looking for a vegan egg substitute that is easy to find and environmentally friendly, give aquafaba a try.
Vegan Egg Replacers
If you’re new to vegan baking and cooking, you might be wondering where to start when it comes to egg replacers. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available! Here are a few vegan egg replacers you might consider:
| Egg Replacer | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Ener-G Egg Replacer | Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of Ener-G Egg Replacer with 2 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg. |
| Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer | Mix 1 tablespoon of Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer with 2 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg. |
| Chickpea Flour | Mix 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg. |
It’s important to note that not all egg replacers work the same way in all recipes. You may need to experiment a bit to see which replacer works best for each particular recipe. Additionally, some recipes may benefit from a combination of egg replacers.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Many vegan cooks have found success using ingredients like mashed avocado, tofu, and even pureed pumpkin as egg replacers. The possibilities are seemingly endless!
Tips for Vegan Baking and Cooking without Eggs
Switching to a plant-based diet can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to vegan baking and cooking. But fear not, there are plenty of vegan-friendly egg replacements that can be used as a substitute for eggs in your favourite recipes. Here are some tips and tricks to make your vegan cooking and baking a success:
Use a Variety of Egg Substitutes
One of the keys to successful vegan baking and cooking is to use a variety of egg substitutes, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, applesauce, mashed bananas, silken tofu, soy yogurt, and aquafaba. Each egg substitute has its unique properties, and using a combination of them can help achieve the desired texture and flavour.
Adjust Your Recipes
When cooking with egg substitutes, it’s essential to adjust the recipe accordingly. As a general rule of thumb, use one-quarter cup of egg substitute for each egg in the recipe. You may also need to adjust the baking time and temperature as egg substitutes can affect the texture and cooking time.
Experiment with Flavours
Egg substitutes such as mashed bananas and applesauce can add a subtle sweetness to your recipes. Silken tofu and soy yogurt can add creaminess and richness, while aquafaba can add a light and airy texture to your baked goods. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavours and textures to create your unique vegan recipes.
Consider Vegan Egg Replacers
If you’re new to vegan cooking and baking, consider using vegan egg replacers such as Egg Replacer and Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer. These products are specially designed to replace eggs in recipes and can be used as a one-to-one replacement for eggs.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious vegan meals and treats without compromising on taste or texture.
Tips for Vegan Baking and Cooking without Eggs
Baking and cooking without eggs can be a daunting task when transitioning to a vegan or vegetarian diet. However, with the right egg substitutes and techniques, it’s possible to create delicious and satisfying dishes. Here are some tips to help guide you:
Experiment with Different Egg Substitutes
There are a variety of plant-based egg replacements available, so don’t be afraid to explore and try new ingredients. Some common vegan egg substitutes include flaxseed, chia seeds, applesauce, mashed bananas, silken tofu, soy yogurt, and aquafaba.
Combine Egg Substitutes for Best Results
Using a combination of egg substitutes can often yield the best results in vegan baking and cooking. For example, combining flaxseed and applesauce can create a chewy texture in baked goods.
Adjust Recipe Ingredients and Baking Time
Egg substitutes can alter the texture and moisture content of your dishes, so be sure to adjust other ingredients as needed. Additionally, you may need to adjust baking time and temperature to ensure your dish is fully cooked.
Pay Attention to Flavour Profile
Some egg substitutes, such as mashed bananas and applesauce, can add a sweet flavour to your dishes. Pay attention to the flavour profile of your chosen egg substitute and adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Use Vegan-Friendly Binders
Eggs are often used as a binding agent in recipes, so it’s important to find vegan-friendly alternatives. Common vegan binders include cornstarch, arrowroot powder, and agar powder.
Get Creative
Vegan cooking and baking can be a fun and creative process. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours, textures, and ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes.
By following these tips and experimenting with different vegan-friendly egg replacements, you can create delicious and satisfying dishes without the use of eggs.
