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Out of eggs? Before you go out egg hunting, and come back empty handed, try using an egg replacer instead.
With the current egg shortages due to a variety of factors including the outbreak of the bird flu, eggs are harder to get and because demand is so much greater than the supply, much more expensive, according to Vox. The recent egg shortages have actually led to egg heists. But there really is a better way.
From scrambling to baking , here are seven egg replacers that really work. Many of these substitutes have been used in vegan cooking and baking for years.
Tofu Scramble
Tofu is an excellent egg replacer because it is high in protein, calcium, and iron, and is available in your local supermarket. While tofu doesn’t really taste like eggs, mashing medium-firm tofu has a similar texture to scrambled eggs. Tofu scrambles are usually made with garlic, onions, and vegetables. You can even add cheese or vegan cheese. Just season it with spices and you have a healthy and hearty breakfast without cracking an egg.
Applesauce
Applesauce is essentially pureed cooked apples that can be found sweetened or with no added sugar, according to Healthline. While many people use applesauce in baking instead of white sugar, you probably didn’t know that it can be used as an egg replacer too. A quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace an egg in many recipes.
Flaxseeds and Chia Seeds
You can use ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to replace eggs when you bake. These seeds are highly nutritious and contain omega-3s, fiber, and other beneficial plant compounds. To replace an egg, just whisk together one tablespoon of seeds with three tablespoons of water until the water is absorbed. This works best in muffins, breads, pancakes, and cookies. Using chia or flaxseeds is a common egg substitute in vegan baking.
Aquafaba
This egg substitute is easy to make at home and according to the Pioneer Woman blog, you probably already have some in your pantry. That’s because aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. The liquid has the consistency of egg whites. Three teaspoons of aquafaba replaces one egg.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
In baking, eggs are frequently used to make baked goods rise. Since vinegar and baking soda bubble-up when mixed, it can be used as a leavening agent. Just one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar – or apple cider vinegar – and one teaspoon of baking soda replaces one egg in recipes.
Powdered Egg Replacer
You can purchase a commercial powdered egg replacer. Some are made from eggs and some are vegan. Check the ingredients carefully. These products mimic the leavening qualities of eggs when mixed with water but make sure you read the directions on the package for the exact substitution amount.
Liquid Egg Substitute
While finding eggs may be hard, you may still be able to buy liquid egg replacers in your supermarket, suggested Vox. This is an excellent product for cooking things like omelets or for baking. One of the products the publication recommended is Just Egg, which is plant-based and very versatile.
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