Eggs are a common ingredient in many recipes, from baking to breakfast dishes.
However, for vegans, traditional eggs are off-limits because they come from animals.
Thankfully, vegan egg alternatives are widely available, allowing vegans to enjoy dishes that typically require eggs.
Vegan eggs are made from a variety of plant-based ingredients that replicate the texture, flavor, and cooking properties of traditional eggs.
In today’s article, we’ll talk more about vegan eggs, what they’re made from, and how you can use them at home.
Why Don’t Vegans Eat Eggs?
Vegans avoid eggs because they are classified as animal products, which means their production involves the use of animals.
Ethical vegans are concerned about the exploitation of hens in the egg industry, particularly the inhumane conditions many egg-laying hens endure.
Additionally, the practice of culling male chicks (who do not lay eggs) is a common issue in the industry, leading many vegans to choose egg-free alternatives.
Environmental factors also play a role. Egg production, like other forms of animal farming, has a larger carbon footprint compared to plant-based agriculture. By avoiding eggs, vegans aim to reduce their impact on the planet.
Can Some Vegans Eat Eggs?
Some vegans may choose to eat eggs, particularly if they come from backyard hens that are treated well.
However, this practice is controversial within the vegan community.
Vegans who consume eggs are referred to as ovo-vegetarians, as they still consume one type of animal product while avoiding others.
For many vegans, the decision to avoid all animal products, including eggs from well-treated chickens, is rooted in the belief that using animals for food perpetuates a system of exploitation.
Ultimately, whether or not to eat eggs from backyard hens is a personal choice, but it generally moves one away from a fully vegan diet.
As a family, we avoid eating eggs at home and instead opt for replacements.
Can Vegans Eat Eggs From Their Own Chickens?
Even if you raise your own chickens in humane conditions, eating their eggs is generally not considered vegan.
Since the eggs are still an animal product, consuming them goes against the ethical stance of avoiding all forms of animal exploitation.
Those who choose to eat eggs from their own chickens would be considered ovo-vegetarian, not vegan.
Is JUST Egg Vegan?
JUST Egg is a popular vegan egg substitute made primarily from mung beans. This product mimics the texture and flavor of scrambled eggs and can be used in a variety of dishes.
It comes in a liquid form that can be poured directly into a pan to make scrambled eggs, omelets, or incorporated into baked goods. It has become a staple in our household.
However, it’s important to note that JUST Egg is produced in facilities that also process egg-based products, which could be a concern for some vegans who avoid cross-contamination with animal products.
JUST Egg is transparent about this, and it’s up to individual vegans to decide whether they are comfortable with this level of separation.
Can You Make Vegan Eggs at Home?
Absolutely! Making vegan eggs at home is a simple and cost-effective way to replace traditional eggs in your diet.
Tofu, chickpea flour, and flaxseeds are commonly used ingredients for homemade vegan eggs.
Tofu, in particular, is a versatile option for creating scrambled vegan eggs, while flaxseeds or chia seeds are often used in baking to mimic the binding properties of eggs.
Creating vegan eggs at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
Many homemade vegan egg recipes have been perfected over the years, providing reliable results for everything from breakfast dishes to baked goods.
What Are the Basics of Vegan Eggs?
To make a convincing vegan egg, you need to replicate two key elements: texture and taste.
Store-bought vegan egg substitutes often use advanced technology and ingredients to achieve this, but homemade options can also work well.
As we mentioned, the texture is typically achieved using tofu, mung beans, or aquafaba, while the eggy flavor comes from black salt (Kala Namak), which has a sulfuric taste reminiscent of eggs.
When it comes to cooking, vegan eggs should be seasoned properly to enhance their flavor, as the base ingredients like tofu and chickpea flour tend to be bland on their own.
Common Vegan Egg Recipes
If you’re ready to make vegan eggs at home, give the following a try:
Scrambled Vegan Eggs
Scrambled vegan eggs are quick, easy, and popular.
To prepare, crumble firm tofu into a heated pan with a little olive oil. Season with turmeric (for color), black salt (Kala Namak) for that eggy flavor, and black pepper. You can also add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Cook until the tofu is warm and slightly crispy. Serve on toast or as part of a breakfast bowl.
Scrambled vegan eggs are versatile and can be customized with a variety of herbs and spices.
Boiled Vegan Eggs
Boiled vegan eggs are more complex but worth the effort if you miss the texture of boiled eggs.
You’ll need egg-shaped molds and a thickening agent like agar-agar.
For the white, blend silken tofu or plant milk with agar-agar to achieve a firm texture.
The yolk is typically made from mashed chickpeas, nutritional yeast, and black salt for an authentic flavor.
Pour the white mixture into molds, add the yolk in the center, and let it set in the fridge. These boiled vegan eggs are perfect for salads or ramen.
Fried Vegan Eggs
Fried vegan eggs use firm tofu as the “egg white” and a separate mixture for the “yolk.” Slice the tofu into rounds, coat them with cornstarch for crispiness, and fry them in oil.
For the yolk, blend cashews, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and black salt.
Once the tofu is fried, spoon the yolk mixture into the center of each round to mimic a sunny-side-up egg. These are great on toast, in sandwiches, or as a burger topping.
How to Replicate an Egg’s Texture and Taste
We talked about this a little bit above, but achieving the right texture and taste is crucial for a successful vegan egg substitute.
For texture, tofu is the go-to ingredient, offering a soft and slightly gelatinous consistency similar to eggs.
As we’ve said, the key to flavor lies in using black salt (Kala Namak), which gives vegan eggs their distinctive sulfuric taste, closely resembling real eggs.
Combining tofu with black salt, nutritional yeast, and spices like turmeric can create a delicious vegan alternative to scrambled, fried, or even boiled eggs.
Final Thoughts
Eggs play a major role in cooking and baking, but for vegans, there are plenty of alternatives available.
From store-bought products like JUST Egg to homemade options using tofu or chickpea flour, you don’t have to miss out on egg-based dishes.
Whether you’re making scrambled eggs for breakfast or experimenting with boiled or fried versions, vegan eggs offer a satisfying and cruelty-free alternative to traditional eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vegan eggs healthy?
Yes, vegan eggs are generally considered healthy. They are typically lower in cholesterol and saturated fats compared to traditional eggs, and many vegan egg products are made from nutritious plant-based ingredients like mung beans or tofu, which are rich in protein and vitamins.
Do vegan eggs taste like eggs?
Vegan eggs can taste quite similar to regular eggs, especially when seasoned with black salt (Kala Namak), which provides a sulfuric, egg-like flavor. The texture can also be very close, particularly with tofu-based or JUST Egg products.
What are the ingredients in JUST Egg vegan?
JUST Egg is primarily made from mung bean protein isolate, along with ingredients like water, canola oil, carrot extract, and turmeric for color and natural flavors to replicate the taste and texture of scrambled eggs.
