How to Separate Egg Whites

When preparing meringue, custard, and other British baked goods, separating egg whites from yolks is often necessary. While it's challenging to separate egg whites without ending up with any pieces of yolk, even the smallest pieces of yolk can ruin your recipe. We provide several methods for separating egg whites both with tools and without, so your recipes come out perfectly.

How to Get Egg Whites

Use our video tutorial to implement the most popular tactics for separating egg yolks from whites. Whether you invest in an egg white separator, use common kitchen tools, or forgo tools altogether, there is a simple and effective method for separating egg whites for all experience levels.

Ways to Separate Eggs

You must be careful when separating eggs. While getting some egg whites with your yolks shouldn’t impact your recipe too severely, getting egg yolks in egg whites can ruin your delicate French macarons and smooth meringues because the fat from the yolk minimizes the egg white’s ability to fluff into stiff peaks. We provide the most popular ways to separate eggs so you can decide which method works best for your kitchen.

Separating Eggs with Hands

The best way to separate eggs from whites is to use your hands, allowing the whites to pass through your fingers. We recommend this method because it is fast, effective, and requires no additional tools. Always remember to practice proper handwashing procedures before moving on to additional baking steps. Follow these simple steps for the best way to separate eggs:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and hot water before you begin.
  2. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  3. Over a bowl, open the egg into your hand and allow the egg whites to pass through your fingers. Gently move your fingers to work all the egg whites through.
  4. Deposit the egg yolk into a separate bowl.

Separating Eggs with an Egg Separator

Separating Eggs with an Egg Separator Image

The best way to separate eggs without dirtying your hands is with an egg separator. Egg separators are kitchen tools specifically designed to help chefs separate egg whites and yolks. There are multiple styles of egg separators available for you to try.

  1. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  2. Over a bowl, open the egg into the egg separator.
  3. Allow the egg whites to drip through the openings.
  4. Deposit the yolk in a separate bowl.

Separating Eggs with a Water Bottle

You can separate egg whites with a water bottle by sucking the yolk into the bottle. While it can be effective with practice, it is easy to suck up egg whites with the egg yolk or break the yolk. Follow these steps to separate eggs with a water bottle:

  1. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  2. Open the egg onto a plate.
  3. Grab a clean bottle and squeeze it slightly.
  4. Hold the bottle opening over the yolk and slowly release your grip to suck up the yolk.
  5. Deposit the yolk in a separate bowl by slowly squeezing and tilting the bottle.

Separating Eggs with a Slotted Spoon

Separating Eggs with a Slotted Spoon image

If you want to keep your hands clean, you can try separating egg whites with a slotted spoon. This method isn't always effective, since the egg whites may be too thick to run through the openings of the slotted spoon. If you don't have an egg separator on hand and want to try using a slotted spoon to separate your eggs, follow these steps:

  1. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  2. Over a bowl, open the egg onto a slotted spoon.
  3. Slightly rock the spoon to encourage the egg whites to fall through the slots and over the sides.
  4. Deposit the yolk in a separate bowl.

Separating Eggs with a Turkey Baster

The bulb of a turkey baster provides an ergonomic tool for separating eggs if you don't have an egg separator on hand. The downside of using your turkey baster to separate eggs is you must take it apart and it can be difficult to clean after you're done. Follow these steps to use a turkey baster to separate eggs:

  1. Remove the bulb from a turkey baster.
  2. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  3. Open the egg onto a plate.
  4. Squeeze the bulb of the baster slightly and let go slowly to suck the yolk into the bulb.
  5. Deposit the yolk in a separate bowl by slowly squeezing and tilting the baster bulb.

Separating Eggs with a Funnel

Separating Eggs with a Funnel

Funnels are a common kitchen tool that is easy to use for separating eggs. Since some egg whites are very thick, they may require some pulling to separate from the egg yolk. You may need to stir the egg in the funnel, which can lead to the yolk breaking. Follow these steps to separate eggs with a funnel:

  1. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  2. Open into a funnel.
  3. Allow the egg whites to run through the funnel opening.
  4. Deposit the yolk in a separate bowl.

Separating Eggs with the Shell

You can use the egg's shell to separate the egg whites. The benefit of this egg-separating method is it requires no additional tools. However, it is one of the harder methods to execute, because the edge of the shell may pierce the egg yolk, causing it to get into your whites. It also poses a food safety risk, because harmful bacteria like salmonella can linger on the shell and get in contact with the white or yolk.

  1. Crack the egg on a flat surface.
  2. Over a bowl, separate the shell at the widest point to create two halves. You will want to angle the egg upward and lift off the top half.
  3. Pass the egg yolk back and forth between the two halves, allowing the egg white to drip down into the bowl.
  4. Repeat until you are left with just the yolk in the shell.
  5. Deposit the yolk in a separate bowl.

How to Crack Eggs

Before you can separate egg whites and yolks, you have to crack the egg shells. Follow these two tips to crack eggs without ending up with pieces of shell in the bowl:

  1. Use Chilled Eggs - The key to a clean egg separation is to start with a cold egg that has been refrigerated for at least 20 minutes to ensure that the egg yolk is firm and less likely to break.
  2. Use a Flat Cracking Surface - Crack the egg on a flat surface to keep eggshell shards out of the egg whites. If you crack an egg on the corner of a bowl or countertop, it often pushes the eggshell pieces into the egg.

Why Separate Egg White and Yolk in Baking?

Separating Eggs with the Shell image

Separating eggs is a common baking technique that can make a big difference in the final outcome of your baked goods. While it may seem like an extra step, it is worth the effort. It is a simple yet effective way to control the texture, flavor, and structure of your baked goods. Discover the benefits of using egg whites and yolks separately below:

  • Changes Texture - Separating eggs allows you to control the texture and structure of your baked goods. Egg whites are known for their ability to create light and airy textures, while egg yolks add richness and moisture. By separating the eggs, you can use each component separately, tailoring the recipe to achieve the desired result.
  • Customizes Flavor - Egg yolks contain fat and can sometimes have a slightly "eggy" taste, which may not be desirable in certain recipes. By separating the eggs, you can remove the yolks and avoid any potential flavor interference.
  • Aids Emulsification - Emulsification is the process of combining two liquids that normally wouldn't mix, such as oil and water. Egg yolks contain emulsifiers that can help stabilize and bind ingredients together, creating a smooth and cohesive batter or dough.
  • Helps Baked Goods Rise - Separating eggs also plays a role in achieving the perfect rise and structure in certain baked goods. For example, in recipes that call for beaten egg whites, such as angel food cake or meringue, separating the eggs allows you to whip the whites to their full potential. This creates a light and fluffy texture that is essential for these delicate desserts.
  • Caters to Alternative Diets - If customers are watching their cholesterol intake or following a specific diet that requires them to limit egg yolks, separating the eggs allows them to still enjoy baked goods or a breakfast scramble without compromising their dietary needs.

How to Store Separated Eggs

If you aren't using your separated eggs immediately, here is how you can store separated egg yolks and whites:

  • How to Store Egg Yolks - You can store egg yolks in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days before use. Simply place the egg yolks in a bowl and fill the bowl with enough water to cover the yolks. Pour out the water before using the eggs. Egg yolks do not freeze well.
  • How to Store Egg Whites - You can store egg whites in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days or in the freezer for 12 months. Pour the egg whites into an ice cube tray and allow them to freeze. You can then place the cubes in a freezer bag. Thaw the cubes before using them.

Many recipes call for pastry chefs to separate egg whites and yolks. You'll need egg whites to make meringues and angel food cake. Egg yolks are required for making custards, our decadent brown sugar cinnamon bread pudding recipe, and our pumpkin creme brulee recipe. Learning how to separate eggs properly is the secret to creating the ideal texture, flavor, and structure of many classic desserts.

Posted in: Bakeries|Kitchen & Cooking Tips|By Janine Jones
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