Many recipes require you to use eggs in your cooking. However, for some people, whether it is because they are allergic to eggs or choose not to eat them for their beliefs, such as vegans, may struggle to make recipes that traditionally use eggs. So I am going to teach you how easy it is to substitute eggs in vegan cooking. Its easy to go egg-free with these simple hacks.
When I first when Vegan, pretty much overnight after visiting a health retreat in Byron Bay (2016) I had a lot to learn! One of the first things I learnt was how to make cashew cream and how to make almond milk. Which are both regarded quite highly in vegan cooking. Its a lot easier nowadays to switch to dairy-free alternatives than it is to replace eggs. However, It is easy to substitute the eggs for Tofu, in Tofu scramble but there is a little more to it when baking cakes and biscuits…
THE ROLE OF EGGS IN BAKED GOODS
Eggs are the backbone of many baked goods and contribute to the structure. Egg yolks add moisture and fat which helps emulsify the batter, giving the baked good smooth and creamy texture. The egg whites act as strengtheners which hold together your ingredients.
Egg whites are often used to produce a light, airy texture. While yolks contribute to the colour, flavour, and texture of baked goods.
YOU DONT HAVE TO MISS OUT ON THESE TASTY VEGAN DISHES
Things you may miss out on a vegan diet if you don’t know how to substitute eggs!
- Vegan cakes
- Quiches
- Scrambled eggs
- Vegan Egg Sandwiches
Check out Elsa’s wholesome life for her perfect recipe for the Vegan Fried egg! (Image Credit: Elsas Wholesome Life)
HOW TO SUBSTITUTE EGGS IN VEGAN COOKING
Quiches and Omelettes
If you want to replace eggs in quiches or omelettes, you can substitute it with tofu in most cases. I find that Firm tofu works best for dishes like Tofu Scramble and silken tofu works well in quiches. To get that yellow egg yolk colour, add a pinch of turmeric. Chickpea flour also works great, especially for omelettes and eggless scrambles.
Baking
There are many different egg alternatives available for vegan baking. A whole egg adds moisture, fat, structure, and leavening to baked goods like cookies and cakes.
VEGAN EGG REPLACEMENTS
CHIA SEEDS
Mix 1-2 Tbsp Chia seeds to 3 Tbsp hot water, stir and mix well and leave out for about 1/2 hour just before adding to your cooking, stir in a pinch of baking powder. Chia seeds work really well in combining the ingredients in a cake recipe. This is similar to what eggs do also to hold the ingredients together. Chia seeds are also really high in Omega 3 and other essential fatty acids. their fat and fibre will thicken well and mimic the great egg. Chia seeds, when ground, will thicken more than flax seeds, creating a great binding agent for baked goods.
SILKEN TOFU
Silken tofu is perfect for quiches. Check out my recipe here for my Tofu quiche: Beetroot and Tofu Quiche or my Tofu Scramble recipe which uses firm tofu. You can also add 1/4 cup of blended silken tofu to replace one egg.
Try Simply Health Vegans egg-free Sandwich
EGG REPLACER
This is available in most baking aisles of supermarkets. It may also be found in the health foods section of the shop. This is a ready-made powder that you just have to add water to. Specially designed for use in baking goods. All egg replacer products are made up of a combination of starches so they replace eggs in baking quite well.
APPLESAUCE
This is also really good to use in baking as it adds sweetness. It also adds moisture to your baking. Just add 1/2 a cup Applesauce in place of an egg. Applesauce is also a popular healthy replacement for oil in many baked goods. You may need to adjust the amount 0f sugar you use in your recipe as applesauce is already sweet.
BANANA
Add 1/2 a mashed banana to bind ingredients together and provide moisture and sweetness to your baking. Note that this may make your baked goods have a mild banana flavour.
FLAXSEEDS
These work the same way as chia seeds. Add 1-2 Tbsp (per egg substituted) of ground flaxseed to 3Tbsp hot water. These are also a really good option for binding ingredients together. Don’t forget to add 1 tsp of baking powder to the flaxseeds also to help the cake to rise. Make sure that the flaxseeds are ground or else you will end up with a crunchy cake! (You can use pre-ground flaxseeds or grind them yourself in a spice or coffee grinder.)
AQUAFABA
This is the water from a chickpea can. You can whisk it up and make vegan meringues. Follow Loving it Vegans ‘Vegan Merangue recipe.
DAIRY-FREE YOGHURT
This provides moisture, creaminess and sweetness to your baking. Substitute 1 egg with 1/4 cup of dairy-free yoghurt. My favourite is coconut yoghurt
BAKING SODA & VINEGAR
This is a good egg-replacer for light and fluffy baked goods. Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for 1 egg.
Try this delicious Blueberry Coconut Cake that uses Baking Soda and Vinegar, by Bianca Zapatka.
If you enjoyed reading this post also check out
- Are Oysters Vegan?
- How to stay healthy on a vegan diet
What egg alternatives have you ever tried? Share your own tips and experiences in the comments.
Thank you for reading, I hope you have enjoyed this recipe. If you have tried my recipe then please leave me a comment and rating on my recipe. I would also love to see what you have made, so please don’t forget to #tag me in your posts on @Simply_healthy_vegan
Emily
Xoxo