With this simple to follow guide, learn how to turn flax seeds into a flax egg whether you are vegan, have an egg allergy, or just simply ran out of eggs!
More than a decade ago, I started exploring vegan recipes and noticing “flax egg” mentioned. I had ZERO idea what the heck a flax egg was, let alone could I easily find a flax egg recipe. Since then, I’ve learned how to perfect making flax eggs and I’m going to show you how in this simple guide.
The hack to perfect flax eggs every time: hot water.
Save that tip, because it will come in handy over and over again!
This pantry friendly substitute is easy to make and crucial since it plays such an important role in egg-free baking. The thick, jelly-like texture helps bind ingredients together which is perfect for recipes like vegan pancakes, muffins, cookies and other baked goods. They also contain some fat, like real eggs, which provides a richness and smoothness to your recipes.
Overall, this is a healthy, versatile, and sustainable option for recipes traditionally calling for eggs.
Follow our guide to make the best flax egg, find out how to store them, and using flaxseed for an eggs replacement.
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What is a Flax Egg?
A flax egg is an egg replacement that is made with ground flaxseeds and water. When the two ingredients are combined, they form a gel-like consistency that mimics the binding and thickening properties of eggs in recipes.
Simply put: flax eggs are a popular, plant-based alternative to regular eggs.
They are easy to make and require only ONE ingredient besides water: ground flax seeds.
They’re also quite inexpensive in comparison to both eggs and other vegan egg options.
What a Flax Egg is NOT!
Flax eggs are not a substitute for traditional eggs in a scrambled, hardboiled, or over-easy type of situation. They are never going to have an eggy taste or texture. If you are looking for an egg substitute like this, just out our vegan egg substitutes.
This is simply a substitute for eggs when you are baking or need a binder like in a vegan meatloaf recipe.
Should I use Whole or Ground Flaxseeds?
You want to use ground flaxseeds. This will provide the most desirable result.
Whole flaxseeds don’t release enough mucilage (the gel-like substance) to form the desired texture to mimic an egg. When flaxseeds are ground, their outer shell is broken, allowing the liquid to be more easily absorbed.
How To Make A Flax Egg
The flax egg ratio is 1 tablespoon ground flax seed to 2 tablespoon hot water every time. This makes the equivalent to ONE egg.
Step 1: In a small bowl, add ground flaxseeds and hot water.
TIP: Hot water isn’t necessary, but it makes the flax egg thicken faster and without any issues.
Step 2: Stir together with a spoon or small whisk.
Step 3: Allow to sit for 7-10 minutes until you have a jelly like substance and most of the water has evaporated. You can leave this on the counter or place in the fridge while waiting. Your flaxseed egg is now ready to use.
How To Store Flaxseed and Flaxseed Eggs
Ground flaxseed can turn rancid is left in the wrong conditions. We recommend using your ground flaxseed within 6 months of opening. To prolong this you can store in the refrigerator in an air tight container or freeze your ground flaxseed.
When ground flaxseed goes bad it will smell bitter, sour, and overall unpleasant.
Flax eggs are best used when made on demand to ensure freshness and texture. However you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but don’t push it. Beware as it can turn rancid quickly since it has been cracked open and exposed to air. If it smells like oil paint or crayons it has gone bad and should be discarded.
Whole flax seeds are quite shelf-stable compared to ground flax seeds due to their protective outer shell, which helps to preserve their oils and prevent oxidation.If kept in an airtight container and in a cool, dry, and dark place the whole flax seed will last up to 1 year at room temperature. If refrigerated or frozen it can last 2 years.
Ground flax seeds typically last about 1 to 3 months at room temperature. In the fridge, ground flax seeds can last for up to 6 months, and in the freezer, they can last for up to 1 year.
How To Use It
It is best to mix up your flax egg before you get started with the rest of your preparations since it takes about 7-10 minutes to set up. This way, it will be ready when you need it.
Here is some recipe inspiration that calls for a flax egg. You can practice all you’ve learned to create some tasty dishes.
Sweet & Savory Recipes to Make Using Flaxseed Egg
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Flax Egg Recipe
Learn how to turn ground flax seeds and water into a flax egg! Just one minute to stir together and a 10 minute wait and you have the perfect egg substitute for baking or binding.
Calories: 37kcal
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Notes
- We do not recommend using more than 3 flax eggs in a recipe that you may be converting from traditional eggs to this substitute. Something like a pound cake that requires 6 eggs, on average, would not work with 6 flax eggs substituted.
- Gluten Free baking recipes may or may not work with flax eggs since you’re missing both gluten and traditional eggs – both of which have more structural properties that gluten free flour and flax eggs do not.
Flaxegg Substitute: Don’t have ground flax? Chia seeds (whole or ground) can be substituted in equal amounts for the ground flaxseeds.
**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates.
Nutrition
Serving: 1egg | Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Flax Egg Substitute Frequently Asked Questions :
The flax egg ratio is 1 tablespoon ground flax seed to 2 tablespoon hot water every time.
You will need 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed plus 2 tablespoon of hot water water stirred together and allowed to thickened to a jelly-like substance for a replacement of 1 egg.
There is no difference between the two. Some brands and/or stores just label them differently.
Whether you mistakenly picked up whole flaxseeds or you were gifted a bag, no worries!
You can use a spice grinder or food processor to create the ground flaxmeal if you didn’t purchase it pre-ground.
It’s available in most major grocery stores in the baking or gluten free flour sections. Although, sometimes stores kept it refrigerated.
Not all stores agree on where to place their ground flax so when in doubt, ask a store associate.
The color of the flaxseed may affect the color of your flax egg. Brown flaxseeds may produce a slightly darker gel, while golden flaxseeds create a lighter one, but this is purely aesthetic.
Both golden and brown flax seeds can be used to make a flax egg, and they will perform similarly in terms of texture and binding. Brown flaxseeds tend to have a slightly stronger, more earthy flavor, while golden flaxseeds have a milder, lighter taste. If you want a more neutral flavor in your flax egg, golden flaxseeds would be a better choice.
Chia seeds offer a similar binding and gelling effect, making them an ideal alternative for those with flaxseed allergies.
Unlike flax eggs, which require grinding the seeds first, chia seeds can be used whole or ground to make the egg substitute. You use chia seeds in the same ratio of ground flaxseed to water.
We hope you have a lot of fun experimenting with flax eggs in your baking and cooking! It’s a great way to create delicious, plant-based recipes. Enjoy the process, and feel free to reach out if you need more tips or ideas.
Tell us how you like to use flax eggs? Did you think it was only for baking? We encourage you to try our vegan dinner ideas that could also utilize this new technique.