Kitchen Hack 7 (How to Separate Egg Whites)

Have you ever tried to whip egg whites only to find you could not get stiff peaks due to some yolk that got into the bowl? It’s hard not to break the yolks when separating eggs. Separating eggs can seem daunting and messy, but I’ll show you a kitchen hack so that you can easily divide your eggs into yolks and whites with no trouble at all.

If you’ve ever tried to beat egg whites and they just wouldn’t form stiff peaks, it’s because a little egg yolk snuck into the bowl with the whites. Just a couple of drops of egg yolk will keep the egg whites from creating the loftiness you need to make lemon chiffon pie, a no-bake strawberry pie or a lofty meringue topping for a chocolate pie.

Whipped egg whites give desserts a light, airy texture that you just can’t get without them.

Egg yolks, on the other hand, are used to give desserts a rich, creamy and smooth texture, think banana pudding. They also help thicken desserts like a lemon curd or crème anglais. If you get a little of the whites with the yolks, it won’t make a big difference.

Why You’ll Love This Kitchen Hack

• Less waste: With this hack, you’ll have less chance of your egg yolk breaking and ruining all your egg whites.

• Easy: Anyone – even little kids – can use this method for separating eggs.
  
• No equipment is needed: You won’t need any special kitchen gadgets to separate eggs using this easy technique.

What You’ll Need to Separate Eggs

This hack is simple and doesn’t require any equipment. All you’ll need is your hands and 2 bowls – one for the whites and one for the yolks.

How to Separate Egg Whites From Yolks

Step 1: Wash!

Wash and dry your hands really well before you begin.

Step 2: Get two bowls and your eggs.

Grab two medium-sized bowls. One will collect your egg whites, and the other your yolks. Then, remove your eggs from the fridge.

Step 3: Crack the egg.

Crack the egg on a flat surface rather than on the side of the bowl, this will give you a cleaner break in the shell. Once you’ve cracked your egg, break the egg open into one of your hands, shaping your fingers into a small cup to hold the egg.

Step 4: Separate the egg.

Now that you have a broken egg in your hand, carefully open your fingers just a bit and allow the egg whites to slide through into the bowl below. When all of the egg white has slid through, let the egg yolk fall into the other bowl.

Other Ways to Separate Eggs

I love this method of separating eggs. Even little kids can help you separate eggs this way. But if you don’t want to get your hands slimy, there are other ways!

1. Pour the egg back and forth into the shell. This is a tried and true method of separating eggs that works well for some people, but seems to end terribly for others. That’s because the yolk can easily be pierced by the shell of the egg, causing a yellow eruption that can quickly contaminate your egg whites. If you try this method, go slowly and carefully! Don’t be in a rush and you’ll have better chances of success.
2. Use a sieve. You can buy a small sieve that will allow your eggs to separate fairly easily. Also known as an ‘egg separator,’ this tool has holes in it that allows the whites to drip through. This method works well but means one more thing to wash and store in your gadget drawer.

Do eggs need to be cold to separate the whites and the yolks?

Eggs don’t need to be cold in order for them to separate, but it does make it easier. In order to do this, keep the eggs in the fridge until you’re ready to separate them. 

FAQs About Eggs

Can you eat raw egg whites?

Yes! You can eat raw egg whites as long as they’ve been pasteurized. You can add raw egg whites in desserts to smoothies and shakes for extra protein. Eggs purchased at the grocery are pasteurized.

Can you eat raw egg yolks?

Unlike egg whites, you shouldn’t consume raw egg yolks. Egg yolks can contain salmonella, a potentially deadly bacteria. Best to cook them first.

Can I freeze raw eggs?

Yes! You can freeze your raw eggs. It’s ok to freeze them as whole eggs, egg yolks, or even whites. Keep in mind you shouldn’t freeze eggs in their shell since the shell will crack when it gets too cold. Here’s how:

• Whole Eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and gently whisk them until the yolks and whites are blended. Pour them into a freezer-safe container and place them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the frozen eggs overnight in the refrigerator before using them.

• Egg Whites: Separate the whites from the yolks, making sure no yolk is mixed in. Pour the egg whites into a freezer-safe container and set it in the freezer. Thaw the frozen egg whites in the refrigerator before using.
• Egg Yolks: If you want to freeze egg yolks separately, mix them with a touch of salt or sugar to help maintain their texture. Use about ⅛ teaspoon of salt or 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar for four yolks. If you need your yolks for dessert, use sugar. If you’re adding them to something savory, use salt. Gently whisk everything together, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container, label, and freeze. Thaw the frozen yolks in the refrigerator before using them.

Now let’s go break some eggs!

Recipes That Use Egg Whites

Recipes That Use Egg Yolks