Aquafaba: The Vegan Egg Substitute You Need to Try Today!
What is aquafaba?
Aquafaba is a magical bean liquid that can be used as a substitute for egg in cooking and baking. It’s made from the liquid found in canned beans.
Aquafaba can be used in place of eggs in a variety of recipes, from meringues to mayonnaise. It’s made from the liquid found in canned beans and contains starches, proteins, and fiber, which give it the ability to mimic the properties of egg whites.
In this guide, I’ll explain what aquafaba is, how it’s made, and how you can use it in your cooking and baking.
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What Exactly is Aquafaba?
Aquafaba is a liquid that is typically found in canned chickpeas or beans. It is the brine that the legumes are cooked in and is often thought of as waste that is tossed away. However, it has been discovered that this liquid has the ability to mimic the functional properties of egg whites, making it a great replacement in cooking and baking.
How to Make Aquafaba
Aquafaba can be made by cooking dried chickpeas or other pulses in water until they are soft and the liquid has become viscous. The liquid can then be taken and used as desired. It is highly recommended to rinse the cooked chickpeas or other pulses in a colander or strainer and wash them away to remove any starchiness before using the aquafaba.
Examples of Aquafaba in Cooking and Baking
Aquafaba can be used in a wide variety of dishes and desserts, including:
- Meringues
- Marshmallow fluff
- Mousse
- Cheese
- Marzipan
- Macarons
- Ice cream
- Cupcakes
- Brownies
Aquafaba vs. Flax and Chia Seeds
While flax and chia seeds can also be used as an egg replacement, they do not have the same functional properties as aquafaba. Aquafaba is highly recommended for recipes that require a light and airy texture, while flax and chia seeds are better for recipes that require a denser texture.
The Technological Marvel of Aquafaba
Aquafaba is a highly useful and versatile ingredient that has taken the plant-based cooking and baking world by storm. Its ability to mimic the functional properties of egg whites has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for those who are vegan or have an egg allergy. Its wide range of uses and properties make it a great addition to any kitchen. So go ahead and whip up a batch of aquafaba and admire the technological creativity it allows for in your cooking and baking!
Creating Aquafaba: A Simple Guide
Aquafaba is the liquid that comes from chickpeas. It’s a great vegan substitute for eggs in recipes that require whipped egg whites or egg yolks. Aquafaba is also low in calories and contains no fat, making it a healthy alternative to regular eggs.
Helpful Notes
- Depending on the chickpeas you use, the yield of aquafaba may vary.
- Aquafaba can be made using both regular and instant pot pressure cookers.
- Be careful not to overcook the chickpeas, as this can cause the aquafaba to turn bad.
- It’s important to follow the recipe exactly when using aquafaba as a substitute for eggs in cooking and baking.
- Aquafaba can also be used as a replacement for egg whites in cocktails and other drinks.
Aquafaba Recipes
- Aquafaba can be used in a variety of recipes, including vegan mayonnaise, marshmallows, and even vegan cheese.
- Check out online food guides for more aquafaba recipes and ideas.
Measuring Aquafaba: The Egg-cellent Vegan Replacer
When it comes to cooking with aquafaba, measuring it correctly is crucial to achieve the right consistency and texture in your recipe. Since aquafaba is a liquid, it can be a little tricky to measure accurately, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
The Best Method for Measuring Aquafaba
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure aquafaba:
1. Choose the right type of aquafaba: You can use the liquid from canned chickpeas or cook your own chickpeas and use the liquid from that. Make sure to simmer the chickpeas until they are cooked and then remove the liquid.
2. Cool the aquafaba: Allow the aquafaba to cool to room temperature before measuring it.
3. Use a measuring cup: Use a measuring cup to measure the aquafaba. A medium or large measuring cup should do the trick.
4. Be precise: Make sure to measure the aquafaba precisely. Even a little extra or less can affect the entire recipe.
5. Use an electric hand mixer or whisk: Whip the aquafaba until it thickens and forms stiff peaks. This takes a lot of time, so be patient.
6. Fold in sugar: If your recipe calls for sugar, fold it in gently after whipping the aquafaba.
7. Measure in tablespoons: If your recipe calls for a specific amount of aquafaba, measure it in tablespoons. One tablespoon of aquafaba is equivalent to one egg white.
Storing Aquafaba for Later Use
If you have leftover aquafaba, don’t throw it away! Here are some tips on storing aquafaba:
- Store it in an airtight container: Cover the container to prevent any particles or bits from getting in.
- Freeze it: Aquafaba can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in small portions so you can easily use it later.
- Refrigerate it: Aquafaba can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Keep Your Aquafaba Fresh: A Guide to Storing Aquafaba
Aquafaba is a popular vegan ingredient that has the ability to produce impressive results in many recipes. However, to achieve the best quality and consistency, it’s important to store it properly. Here’s why:
- Aquafaba contains sugar and water, which can cause it to spoil quickly if not stored correctly.
- Storing aquafaba in the wrong state or container can change its texture and affect the final result of your recipe.
- Proper storage can help you save time and money by allowing you to use aquafaba in portions as needed.
Other Considerations
Here are a few other things to keep in mind when storing aquafaba:
- Aquafaba can be stored for up to a week in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.
- Aquafaba from canned black beans is commonly used, but aquafaba can also be made from the liquid in other canned beans or even from the water used to cook chickpeas or other legumes.
- Aquafaba can be used in a variety of recipes, from basic meringues to vegan mayonnaise and even cocktails.
- If you want to improve the quality of your aquafaba, you can add a little cream of tartar or ground table salt to the mixture before beating.
- Choosing the right container and storage method can help you achieve the best results with your aquafaba.
The Healthy Side of Aquafaba
Aquafaba is a vegan egg substitute that is made from the water of cooked chickpeas. This foodstuff is highly sought after by vegans and people who wish to eat healthy, as it is a great alternative to eggs and other animal products. Here are some of the health benefits of aquafaba:
- Low in calories: Aquafaba is low in calories, making it a great option for people who are watching their weight.
- High in fiber: Aquafaba is high in fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system.
- Rich in protein: Aquafaba is a great source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles.
- Contains trace amounts of nutrients: Aquafaba contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B and iron.
Alternatives to Aquafaba
Aquafaba is a great vegan substitute for egg whites, but if you’re looking for other options, here are some substitutes you can try:
- Flax or Chia Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to create a gel-like substance that can be used in place of one egg.
- Silken Tofu: Blend 1/4 cup of silken tofu until smooth and use it in place of one egg.
- Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of one egg.
- Mashed Banana: Use 1/4 cup of mashed ripe banana in place of one egg.
Need a Substitute for Aquafaba?
If you don’t have aquafaba on hand or simply want to switch things up, here are some alternatives you can try:
- Chickpea Flour: Mix 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour with 3 tablespoons of water to create a paste that can be used in place of 1/4 cup of aquafaba.
- Canned Coconut Milk: Use the thick, fatty layer of canned coconut milk in place of aquafaba in recipes that require a high-fat content.
- Ground Flax or Chia Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to create a gel-like substance that can be used in place of 1/4 cup of aquafaba.
What About Other Bean Water?
While aquafaba is typically made from chickpeas, you can also use the water from other types of beans. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The flavor and consistency of the bean water may affect the final product, so be sure to choose a bean water that complements your recipe.
- Different types of bean water may have different protein and starch profiles, which can affect how well they work as a substitute for aquafaba.
- Some popular bean waters include black bean water, white bean water, and red bean water.
Conclusion
So there you have it- everything you need to know about aquafaba. It’s a miracle ingredient that can be used as a substitute for eggs in cooking and baking, and has many uses outside of the kitchen as well. It’s a great way to save money and help the environment by using leftover legumes instead of throwing them away. So don’t be afraid to try it out and experiment with it!
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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
