You may not be able to use eggs in your baking, like if you’re on a diet or allergic, but an egg wash is a simple solution that can help you look appealing until then. There are many substitutes for this as well- liquid eggs, flour and milk are some of the best substitutes that can give you the desired effect.
Egg Wash Substitute
There are a few potential alternatives to egg washing, including milk, custard, water and melted butter. While there’s no one perfect substitute for egg wash, these are some of the possible ways you can use to achieve that look.
Milk or Cream
There are many ways to add egg wash to bread without the risk of overworking your dough. To make it, simply brush on milk or cream on the surface before baking.
Melted Butter
This is a popular textured egg wash substitute. There are few things that can beat the taste of butter. It gives a crispy, delicious flavor to the finished dish. To use: Melt butter at a low flame and turn it off just as the butter melts. Take care to not brown or burn the butter. Use melted butter sparingly, as it will soak into the dough and can make it oily.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a popular substitute for all sorts of dairy products. It can be used as both a wash and an alternative to traditional milk. It may give the pastry a dark, golden hue, or it can also add nuttiness to the dough. To use: Simply use as much almond milk as you want and apply with a pastry brush.
Oil
A popular vegan replacement for animal-based oils is olive oil. It will give your dough a nice shine, but also gives you a crunchy texture and has no distinct taste. You can also use coconut oil for a flavorful crust, or even canola oil for a crunchy crust with no flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup
Sweet options like honey or maple syrup can turn your pastry a deep golden brown, with lots of caramelized crunch. The sugar in the honey or maple syrup will caramelize, giving the finished product a lovely deep golden glow. Avoid using savory goods because they tend to burn very quickly in the oven.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a thick spread that is a substitute for egg wash. It especially works well with fried chicken and other savory food items, but it has eggs in it also. Hating eggs? Try vegan mayonnaise instead!
Soy Milk and Rice Milk
To use: Mayonnaise is thicker than a typical egg wash. You can thicken it by adding milk or water. Brush a light layer over the unbaked surface.
Yogurt
Glaze recipes often ask for a dairy-based dip. Soy milk and rice milk can be a good substitute if you are looking to keep things green. Use as much as you need and avoid using too thick of a layer, as these fats tend to be quite thin.
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Malt Syrup
For foods that require coating and are best cooked in the oven, try dipping them first in milk or yogurt. This will help them bind together better, retain more moisture, and keep the breading from breaking down during cooking.
Molasses
In addition to its basic baking applications, malt syrup can also be used as a glaze for meat, such as pork when it is roasted. The sweetness of the malt syrup pairs well in savory dishes such as soups or stews. To use it on a dish, thin it out with a little bit of water before using it.
Custard Powder
This sweet, smoky sauce works beautifully with meat and baked goods. The smooth, dark molasses pairs well with scones, too. You can also use it for glazing meats like salmon or ham and for substituting for egg wash in recipes that don’t need it.
Ground Flaxseed
Combine 1/4 teaspoon of custard powder with 1/4 cup of water for a smooth and lustrous finish. Once you’ve mixed it, apply it to pastries by painting on the mixture with a pastry brush.
Other Alternatives
A flax egg can be substituted for eggs in vegan baked goods. Mix a tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of warm water, then let it rest for 10 minutes before using to make things like breaded chicken tenders and French toast.
If you’re looking to try out more healthy cooking ideas, like aquafaba, agave syrup, and various butter substitutes like coconut butter, choose your recipe and start whipping up some delicious desserts today!