Aquafaba, the Most Magical Egg Replacement (and How to Use It) (2024)

Sheela Prakash

Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor

Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.

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updated May 31, 2020

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Aquafaba, the Most Magical Egg Replacement (and How to Use It) (1)

That liquid hiding in your can of chickpeas is the magical egg replacement vegans and non-vegans alike are going crazy about. Aquafaba, the drained chickpea liquid in a can or a pot of cooked beans, can be whipped like egg whites into meringue or swapped out for eggs entirely in baked goods.

So how to start using it? You just need to know the simple formula to swap out one unexpected ingredient for the other.

How to Use Aquafaba as an Egg Replacement

You can use aquafaba to replace eggs in many forms. Sometimes it’s used to replace egg whites; sometimes the whole egg in, say, a quiche. Here’s what you need to know to use aquafaba as an egg replacement.

First, drain and reserve the liquid from a can of chickpeas. Save the chickpeas for another use and transfer the liquid to the bowl of a stand mixer or a large metal bowl if using a hand mixer.

If you’re using the aquafaba as a binder, you will have to lightly whip the liquid until foamy — not whipped. As a meringue, to make marshmallow-style sauce, or to make marshmallows, you’ll need to whip it between 10 to 15 minutes.

Recipes That Use Aquafaba

The Formula

Three tablespoons of aquafaba is equivalent to about one whole egg, while two tablespoons of aquafaba is equivalent to about one egg white. Keep in mind that a can of chickpeas yields about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of this liquid, so about eight to 12 tablespoons.

Aquafaba should ideally be the same consistency of egg whites to function as a proper egg replacement. If it seems very watery, you can thicken it slightly by simmering it on low in a saucepan on the stove until it’s reduced by about a quarter.

1 whole egg = 3 tablespoons aquafaba
1 egg white = 2 tablespoons aquafaba

Aquafaba, the Most Magical Egg Replacement (and How to Use It) (2024)

FAQs

Aquafaba, the Most Magical Egg Replacement (and How to Use It)? ›

How Do I Bake With Aquafaba? You can use aquafaba as you would eggs! Here are some tips: Just 1 tablespoon of aquafaba is about the same as one yolk, 2 tablespoons are the same as one egg white, and 3 tablespoons can stand in for the entire egg.

How to use aquafaba as egg replacer? ›

Here are the ratios for replacing eggs with aquafaba.
  1. 1 tablespoon aquafaba = 1 egg yolk.
  2. 2 tablespoons aquafaba = 1 egg white.
  3. 3 tablespoons aquafaba = 1 whole egg.
May 9, 2020

How to use aquafaba? ›

Aquafaba can be used in a number of ways: 1) It can be added to recipes UNWHIPPED as an egg binder, such as in these Vegan Gluten Free Sugar Cookies. 2) It can be whipped into semi-soft peaks and added to recipes as a whipped egg white substitute, such as these Vegan Gluten Free Waffles!

How much aquafaba to replace one egg? ›

Three tablespoons of aquafaba is equivalent to about one whole egg, while two tablespoons of aquafaba is equivalent to about one egg white. Keep in mind that a can of chickpeas yields about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of this liquid, so about eight to 12 tablespoons.

Is aquafaba just chickpea water? ›

Aquafaba is an egg replacement usually made from chickpea water. Some people also use soybean water or water from other neutral-tasting beans. Not only is it a healthy alternative to eggs, but it is also vegan-friendly. Aquafaba was discovered by accident, and it has made a huge difference in the vegan community.

How long does aquafaba last in the fridge? ›

How long does aquafaba last? Store unwhipped aquafaba in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze aquafaba for 3 months. For ease, consider freezing it in tablespoons in an ice cube tray.

Is aquafaba healthy? ›

Is aquafaba healthy though? While it's not loaded with nutrients, it's super low in calories and doesn't contain additives or any ingredients that aren't favorable when it comes to our health.

Why not to use aquafaba? ›

Why I Won't Use Aquafaba
  • BPA. Many canned goods are lined with bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that interferes with our hormones. ...
  • ANTI-NUTRIENTS + compounds that interfere with digestion. ...
  • Gassiness. ...
  • Sodium. ...
  • No nutritional value. ...
  • AQUAFABA isN'T Appealing.
Jan 26, 2024

How to tell if aquafaba is bad? ›

You will need to defrost the Aquafaba overnight in the refrigerator before using. Always smell your Aquafaba before using it. It will smell like spoiled beans (not pleasant) if it is no longer good. Toss it if this is the case.

Can you eat aquafaba raw? ›

Our Aquafaba is made for baking and cooking so we don't recommend drinking it straight from the carton! However, it's 100% safe to eat uncooked if you can't resist licking the spoon before your mix goes in the oven

Why is my aquafaba not getting thick? ›

Use cream of tartar.

Aquafaba whipped with cream of tartar takes less time to reach stiff peaks. And aquafaba whipped without cream of tartar will also deflate much more quickly. So if your recipe doesn't call for it, make sure to add a pinch or two of cream of tartar for better whipping results.

Why did my aquafaba deflate? ›

However, like whipped egg whites and heavy cream, you can over-whip aquafaba. Once stiff peaks have formed, no matter how many minutes it took, stop whipping. Whipping too long can cause them to deflate.

Does aquafaba taste good? ›

Aquafaba is nearly flavorless when baked!

When you first open the can of garbanzo beans it will, obviously, smell like beans. The aquafaba will have a slight bean flavor/smell when unbaked. Once baked into your recipe it's undetectable. Magic!

What can I do with aquafaba? ›

It adds fluffy texture and structure to foods, from pancakes to mayonnaise, and is popular in vegan baked goods like cookies and cakes and pizza dough. You can even use chickpea aquafaba to make a vegan version of classic co*cktails that normally use egg whites - these will be the star of the show at any vegan party!

Is aquafaba good for hair? ›

Aquafaba can also be used as a natural hair mask to promote healthy hair growth and shine. The proteins in aquafaba help to strengthen the hair, while the starch helps to absorb excess oil and dirt.

Why is aquafaba so popular? ›

Many also choose to use aquafaba or other vegan eggs for health reasons. While chicken eggs contain cholesterol (high levels of which are associated with an increased risk of chronic disease) aquafaba is totally cholesterol-free. It's also low in calories and contains traces of calcium, B vitamins, folate, and iron.

How much aquafaba per egg co*cktail? ›

The general rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons of aquafaba for 1 egg white, though drink recipes range from 1 tablespoon to 1 oz. of aquafaba.

Do you have to whisk aquafaba? ›

To create soft peaks that leave a slight trail, we recommend whisking for 2-3 minutes. For completely stiff peaks, you should whisk for 4 minutes on a high speed. The Aquafaba has a sweet and slightly beany smell.

Why does aquafaba work as an egg substitute? ›

Aquafaba acts as a binder, emulsifier, and firmer when used. When whipped, aquafaba foams up like egg whites due to its water-soluble proteins. It creates tiny bubbles in a protein foam that gives foods structure and light, fluffy texture.

Do I have to reduce aquafaba? ›

Please remember also that the more reduced the liquid the more intense chickpea flavour will be so when you intent to use it for desserts, like meringues or chocolate mousse, you do not need to reduce as much or at all.

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