Egg Yolk Substitute for Mayonnaise: Complete Guide
Find the best egg yolk substitutes for mayonnaise including vegan and allergy-friendly options. Learn about aquafaba, silken tofu, and other alternatives that create perfect emulsified mayonnaise.
Quick Answer
The best egg yolk substitutes for mayonnaise are aquafaba (1 tbsp per egg yolk), silken tofu (1/4 cup per egg yolk), or commercial egg replacers. These provide the emulsifying properties needed to create stable, creamy mayonnaise.
Best Substitutes
Aquafaba
1 egg yolk = 1 tbsp aquafabaAquafaba provides excellent emulsifying properties for mayonnaise and can be whipped to create a light, fluffy texture. It's particularly effective for vegan mayonnaise and creates a stable emulsion that won't break.
Best for:
Use liquid from canned chickpeas. Excellent for emulsifying and can be whipped for extra creaminess.
Silken Tofu
1 egg yolk = 1/4 cup silken tofuSilken tofu provides excellent creaminess and body for mayonnaise while adding protein. It works particularly well in vegan mayonnaise and creates a smooth, rich texture similar to traditional egg-based mayonnaise.
Best for:
Blend until completely smooth before using. Adds creaminess and protein to the mayonnaise.
Commercial Egg Replacer
Follow package instructions (usually 1-2 tsp powder + 2-3 tbsp water)Commercial egg replacers are specifically formulated to replace eggs in emulsifying applications like mayonnaise. They provide consistent results and are convenient for those who don't want to make their own substitutes.
Best for:
Follow package instructions carefully. Look for brands specifically designed for emulsifying applications.
Coconut Cream
1 egg yolk = 1/4 cup coconut creamCoconut cream provides excellent creaminess and richness for mayonnaise while adding a tropical coconut flavor. It works particularly well in vegan mayonnaise and tropical-inspired recipes.
Best for:
Adds coconut flavor and richness. Best for tropical mayonnaise or when coconut flavor is welcome.
Cashew Cream
1 egg yolk = 1/4 cup cashew creamCashew cream provides excellent creaminess and richness for mayonnaise while adding a subtle nutty flavor. It works particularly well in vegan mayonnaise and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
Best for:
Soak cashews overnight, then blend with water. Adds creaminess and nutty flavor.
Avocado
1 egg yolk = 1/4 cup mashed avocadoMashed avocado provides excellent creaminess and healthy fats for mayonnaise. It works particularly well in green mayonnaise and adds a subtle avocado flavor that complements many dishes.
Best for:
Adds creaminess and healthy fats. Best for green mayonnaise or when avocado flavor is welcome.
Greek Yogurt
1 egg yolk = 1/4 cup Greek yogurtGreek yogurt provides excellent creaminess and tang for mayonnaise. It works particularly well in tangy mayonnaise and adds protein while creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Best for:
Adds creaminess and tang. Best for tangy mayonnaise or when dairy is acceptable.
Mayonnaise
1 egg yolk = 1/4 cup mayonnaiseMayonnaise provides excellent creaminess and richness for mayonnaise. It works particularly well in traditional mayonnaise and adds a familiar, rich flavor that many people enjoy.
Best for:
Adds creaminess and richness. Best for traditional mayonnaise or when eggs are acceptable.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For emulsified mayonnaise, whisk the substitute with oil slowly to create a stable emulsion
- 💡Aquafaba can be whipped to soft peaks for extra creamy mayonnaise
- 💡Blend silken tofu until completely smooth before using
- 💡Coconut cream adds tropical flavor - use in appropriate recipes
- 💡Cashew cream needs to be soaked and blended until smooth
- 💡Avocado works best in green mayonnaise or when the flavor is welcome
- 💡Greek yogurt adds tang - perfect for tangy mayonnaise
- 💡Mayonnaise works well but contains eggs, so not suitable for vegan diets
- 💡For traditional mayonnaise, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt work best
- 💡Test your substitute in a small batch first to ensure desired texture and flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best egg yolk substitute for vegan mayonnaise?
For vegan mayonnaise, aquafaba or silken tofu work best. Aquafaba provides excellent emulsifying properties and can be whipped for extra creaminess, while silken tofu adds body and creaminess without affecting the flavor.
Can I use aquafaba for all mayonnaise recipes?
Aquafaba works well for most mayonnaise recipes, especially vegan versions. It provides excellent emulsifying properties and can be whipped for extra creaminess, making it ideal for both traditional and flavored mayonnaise.
What's the best substitute for egg yolk in green mayonnaise?
For green mayonnaise, mashed avocado works best. It provides the creaminess needed while adding the green color and subtle avocado flavor that complements the green theme. Silken tofu with green food coloring is also an option.
How do I substitute egg yolk in traditional mayonnaise?
For traditional mayonnaise, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt work best. Mayonnaise provides the familiar, rich flavor that most people expect, while Greek yogurt adds tang and protein while maintaining the creamy texture.
What's the best vegan substitute for egg yolk in mayonnaise?
For vegan mayonnaise, aquafaba or silken tofu work best. Aquafaba provides excellent emulsifying properties and can be whipped for extra creaminess, while silken tofu adds body and creaminess without affecting the flavor.
Can I use the same substitute for all mayonnaise types?
While aquafaba works for most mayonnaise types, different recipes may benefit from different substitutes. Silken tofu is great for creamy mayonnaise, mashed avocado for green mayonnaise, and coconut cream for tropical flavors. Choose based on your desired flavor profile.
Summary
Find the best egg yolk substitutes for mayonnaise including vegan and allergy-friendly options. Learn about aquafaba, silken tofu, and other alternatives that create perfect emulsified mayonnaise.