20 Best Egg Substitutes - Better Cheat Meals

Ever found yourself halfway through a recipe only to discover you're out of eggs? Or maybe you follow a vegan diet or have an egg allergy, and need an egg-free alternative.

Don't worry! We've got you covered with simple egg substitutes that can save the day, whether you're whipping up a batch of cookies or cooking your new favorite dinner recipe.

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Why Eggs Are Used In Baking

In baking, eggs serve multiple purposes. They act as a binding agent, provide moisture, and contribute to the overall structure of baked goods. Additionally, they assist with leavening and impart richness and flavor to recipes.

Egg Substitutes in Baked Goods

1. Mashed Bananas

Mashed bananas make an excellent egg substitute in baking, especially in recipes like muffins, cakes, and pancakes. They add moisture and a subtle banana flavor to your treats.

1 egg = ¼ cup mashed banana (about ½ of a banana)

2. Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is another fantastic egg replacement in baking. It provides moisture and helps bind ingredients together.

1 egg = ¼ cup applesauce

3. Silken Tofu

Silken tofu, a protein-rich egg substitute, works well in dense baked goods like brownies and quick breads. Simply purée the tofu until smooth and use it in place of eggs.

1 egg = ¼ cup puréed silken tofu

4. Flaxseed or Chia Seed "Eggs"

To create a flaxseed or chia seed "egg," mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Allow the mixture to sit until it thickens and becomes gel-like. This substitute works well in muffins, cookies, and breads.

1 egg = 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water

5. Vinegar and Baking Soda

For recipes that require a leavening boost, try combining vinegar and baking soda. This combination creates a chemical reaction that helps baked goods rise.

1 egg = 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar + 1 teaspoon baking soda

6. Yogurt

Plain yogurt can replace eggs in baking recipes, providing moisture and a slight tangy flavor. It works well in cakes, muffins, and quick breads.

1 egg = ¼ cup plain yogurt

7. Buttermilk

Buttermilk can be used as an egg substitute in baking, particularly in recipes that also call for baking soda. It adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor.

1 egg = ¼ cup buttermilk

8. Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder, a thickening agent, can be used as an egg substitute in baking. Mix 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.

1 egg = 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder + 3 tablespoons water

9. Aquafaba

Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, can be used as an egg substitute in baking. It works particularly well in recipes that require whipped egg whites, such as meringues and macarons.

1 egg white = 3 tablespoons aquafaba

10. Nut Butters

Nut butters, such as almond or cashew butter, can replace eggs in baking recipes. They add moisture, richness, and a nutty flavor to your baked goods.

1 egg = 3 tablespoons nut butter

Egg Substitutes in Cooking

While eggs are often used as a binding agent or for texture in cooking, there are situations where you may need a substitute. For example, if you're making a vegan quiche or frittata, or if you're looking to reduce your cholesterol intake.

11. Chickpea Flour

Chickpea flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, is a versatile egg substitute in savory dishes like quiches, frittatas, and veggie burgers.

1 egg = 3 tablespoons chickpea flour + 3 tablespoons water

12. Silken Tofu

Just as in baking, silken tofu can be used as an egg substitute in cooking. It works well in recipes like scrambles, quiches, and custards.

1 egg = ¼ cup puréed silken tofu

13. Commercially Prepared Egg Replacers

Several commercially prepared egg replacers are available in powdered form. These products are designed to mimic the binding and leavening properties of eggs in cooking and baking.

Follow package instructions for substitute ratio

14. Potato Starch

Potato starch can be used as a binding agent in cooking, making it a suitable egg substitute in recipes like veggie burgers and fritters.

1 egg = 2 tablespoons potato starch + 2 tablespoons water

15. Cornstarch

Similar to potato starch, cornstarch can be used as a binding agent in cooking. It works well in recipes like stir-fries and soups.

1 egg = 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water

16. Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is another effective binding agent in cooking. It can replace eggs in recipes like meatballs and veggie patties.

1 egg = 2 tablespoons tapioca starch + 2 tablespoons water

17. Agar Powder

Agar powder, derived from seaweed, can be used as an egg substitute in cooking. It acts as a thickening and gelling agent, making it suitable for recipes like custards and puddings.

1 egg = 1 tablespoon agar powder + 1 tablespoon water

18. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast can be used as an egg substitute in savory dishes like scrambles, quiches, and frittatas. It adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to your recipes.

1 egg = ¼ cup nutritional yeast + ¼ cup water

19. Mashed Avocado

Mashed avocado can replace eggs in savory recipes like burgers and meatballs. It provides moisture and helps bind ingredients together.

1 egg = ¼ cup mashed avocado

20. Chia Seed Gel

Similar to using chia seeds in baking, you can create a chia seed gel to replace eggs in savory cooking recipes. Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until thickened.

1 egg = 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water

FAQ

How much oil replaces an egg?

To replace one egg in a baking recipe, use ¼ cup (60ml) of neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. Keep in mind that using oil may result in a slightly denser texture in your baked goods.

What can I use as a binder instead of eggs?

There are several options you can use as a binder in place of eggs, such as ¼ cup (60ml) of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, pureed silken tofu, or yogurt. You can also use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to thicken for a few minutes.

How do you substitute JUST Egg for eggs in baking?

To replace one egg in baking, use 3 tablespoons (45ml) of JUST Egg liquid. Mix the JUST Egg liquid thoroughly before using it in your recipe, as it tends to settle.

What can I use instead of eggs in cooking?

In cooking, you can replace eggs with various ingredients depending on the dish. Some common substitutes include silken tofu, unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, commercial egg replacers, or a mixture of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water.

How to bind food without an egg?

To bind food without an egg, you can use ingredients like breadcrumbs, flour, or ground nuts to help hold the mixture together. Additionally, plant-based ingredients such as mashed potatoes, pureed vegetables, or starches like cornstarch or arrowroot can act as binding agents.

Can I skip eggs in a recipe?

Whether you can skip eggs in a recipe depends on the role they play in the dish. In some cases, like baked goods, eggs are crucial for structure, moisture, and binding, so replacing them might be necessary. However, in dishes where eggs are used for coating or as a garnish, they can often be omitted without significantly affecting the final result.

What do vegans use to replace eggs?

Vegans use various plant-based ingredients to replace eggs in their cooking and baking. Some popular options include commercial egg replacers, silken tofu, unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), and a mixture of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water.

Choosing the Right Substitution

When selecting an egg substitute, consider the recipe you're making and the role the egg plays in that particular dish. Some substitutes work better for binding, while others are better for adding moisture or providing leavening.

You may need to experiment to find the substitute that works best for what you're cooking. These simple egg substitutes are here to help you enjoy your favorite recipes, regardless of dietary restrictions or missing ingredients.

Now keep cooking! Leave a comment if you know of another substitute, we would love to hear from you if you've tried another option that works for you.

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