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Can you freeze egg yolks?

Published in Food Preservation 3 mins read

Yes, you can freeze egg yolks, but they require special handling to prevent them from becoming thick and gelatinous.

How to Freeze Egg Yolks

Freezing egg yolks requires a bit of preparation to ensure they thaw properly and are usable in your recipes. Here's how to do it:

  1. Separate the Yolks: Carefully separate the yolks from the whites. Ensure no traces of the yolk remain in the whites, as this can affect the freezing process for the whites.

  2. Add a Stabilizer: Egg yolks tend to become thick and gummy when frozen. To prevent this, add either sugar or salt as a stabilizer:

    • For Sweet Dishes: Add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar or corn syrup per 1/4 cup (about 4 yolks).
    • For Savory Dishes: Add 1/8 teaspoon of salt per 1/4 cup (about 4 yolks).
    • Important: Label the container clearly, indicating whether sugar or salt was added, and the quantity. This is crucial when you use them later in a recipe.

  3. Mix Thoroughly: Gently whisk the yolks with the sugar or salt until well combined.

  4. Portion and Freeze: Pour the stabilized yolks into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. This allows you to thaw only what you need.

  5. Freeze Until Solid: Place the trays or containers in the freezer and let the yolks freeze completely.

  6. Transfer to Freezer Bags: Once frozen solid, transfer the yolks to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label each bag with the date, the number of yolks, and whether you added sugar or salt (and how much).

Thawing and Using Frozen Egg Yolks

  1. Thaw in the Refrigerator: Thaw the desired amount of egg yolks in the refrigerator overnight.

  2. Use Immediately: Once thawed, use the egg yolks immediately. They cannot be refrozen.

  3. Adjust Recipes: Remember to adjust your recipes to account for the added sugar or salt. For example, if you used sugar to stabilize the yolks, reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe.

Important Considerations:

  • Frozen egg yolks are best used in cooked dishes like custards, sauces, and baked goods. Their texture may not be ideal for dishes that require raw egg yolks, such as homemade mayonnaise.
  • Proper labeling is crucial to keep track of whether the yolks have added sugar or salt.

By following these steps, you can successfully freeze and use egg yolks, reducing food waste and making meal preparation more convenient.

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