Author: Want to learn how to make Vegan Egg Yolk? Every now and then I have a random spark of a crazy idea. I was browsing Pinterest looking for some inspiration for a new recipe when I stumbled upon a photo of a soft boiled egg with toast being dipped into the center. I knew I wanted it immediately! Not a real egg yolk,of course, but just the idea of a savoury, rich, smooth breakfast sauce that you can dip strips of toast into. And so I made Vegan Egg Yolk. Oh yeah I did! I really, really did.
It's not unusual that I get inspired by non-vegan recipes. That's how I get most of my inspiration for this blog and end up creating fun vegan recipes such as my Quick & Easy Cottage Cheese, Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles, Heart of Palm Calamari, Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Pate, and Crispy & Chewy Sesame Shiitake.
The key flavour in this recipe is black salt (also called kala namak). If you are new to black salt the first thing you will notice is that it isn't black at all. It's pink. But don't confuse it with Himalayan salt, which is a totally different thing. The coolest thing about black salt is that it tastes exactly like eggs. So weird! I ordered mine from Amazon.
This Vegan Egg Yolk takes just 5 minutes to make and uses just 6 ingredients. It is completely cholesterol-free (unlike the cholesterol bombs of an egg yolk) and is incredibly super-delicious with toast dipped into it.
Rich, creamy, savoury, umami, with a crack of pepper on top! Oh yeah! I am loving my breakfast today!
Common Questions:
Can you freeze Vegan Egg Yolk?
Yes, you can. Be sure to let cool and then store in your freezer in an air-tight container. As this is a sauce made with corn starch, when defrosting, it will begin to thin out so you will need to rethicken again. Let defrost then gently heat on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash more water if needed.
Can you make vegan egg yolk ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, you can. Store the prepared vegan egg yolk a sealed container in your fridge for up to 4 days. Gently reheat on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash more water if needed.
To make Vegan Egg Yolk:
In a small pot, whisk together the water and cornstarch. Now stir in all of the remaining ingredients.
Put over medium-high heat and whisk while it cooks. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the dipping sauce thickens. Serve hot with strips of buttered toast and a crack of pepper.
This vegan egg yolk...
- tastes like egg!!
- 6 ingredients
- 5 minutes
- the perfect savory breakfast
What to serve this with:
Vegan Breakfast Sausage
Easy Vegan Sheet Pan Pancakes
Super Easy Vegan Croissants
Vegan Banana Nut Muffins
Banana Peel Bacon
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon Appetegan!
Sam Turnbull
(click stars to vote)
Vegan Egg Yolk
Servings: (makes about 1 cup)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons light oil, (such as canola or vegetable)
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- ¾ teaspoon black salt, (also called kala namak)
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
Instructions
- In a small pot, whisk together the water and cornstarch. Now stir in all of the remaining ingredients. Put over medium-high heat and whisk while it cooks. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the dipping sauce thickens. Serve hot with strips of buttered toast and a crack of pepper.
Nutrition
⭐ Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love if you left a rating and comment, it helps others find the recipe and makes my day! 💕More Vegan Egg Recipes you might enjoy...
Laurie says
Looks amazing and can't wait to try. Is there something that could be used to replace the oil and still give it the same texture, perhaps blended hempseeds and water or another alternative (if so, how much). Thanks!
Linda says
My 2 cents- I have made this with no oil and also half the oil, and less salt. It's a very forgiving recipe, and always delicious!
Just finished a plate of grilled, chopped up xfirm tofu smothered in this, with toast. I did use a little oil this time because it's "the holidays," after all!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
THanks for sharing your tips Linda!
Becky says
Poured this over veggie hash today. It added a creamy egg flavor to the meal. So good!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Ooooh love that idea! So happy you enjoyed it Becky!
Jo says
Hi
I note it is a serving for 4.
Can this be kept in the fridge and reheated or frozen?
It looks delicious but i would end up eating it all in one sitting!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes it can be stored in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 4 days.Or you can reduce the serving size if you want to make it fresh on a smaller scale.
Patty says
Dipping my toast in egg yolk was one thing I have missed since going vegan 13 years ago. This seemed so simple I really didn’t think it was the answer, but I was SO wrong!! This is amazing, and I love it. Thank you so much.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wow! We're so happy to hear it, Patty!
Rebecca says
Just made this. It's delicious and so easy to make.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it so much Rebecca!
Norma Baker says
Can this be used in place of eggs in a recipe? I'm thinking the breakfast casseroles. Thanks!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Norma, this recipe is designed to taste like egg yolk, but it is just a sauce. It doesn't have any of the egg-binding qualities you might need for a casserole. For baking you could use my egg substitute. Or if you are looking for more eggy casserole you could try my quiche filling. I hope that helps!
Ifigenia says
This recipe is so simple and yet it's the closest to what i remember yolk was tasting like.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww thanks so much! So thrilled you enjoyed it Ifigenia!
Marlis Lindsay says
Hi Sam. I read the comment on this recipe and have this question, "What is Nooch, referred to in the comment which by the way is a great accolade to your recipe?"
Lynn says
Hi Marlis - thought I would jump in to help with this question... nooch is nutritional yeast.
Tina says
this is my go to recipe when I am having cravings!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Woo! We love to hear it!
Meg says
I just made this recipe. Its fantastic! Thank you! I followed the measurements exactly and it was rather quite salty for me but a very easy fix to fit individual taste. I added black pepper, a sprinkle of crushed paprika, and quite a bit more nooch. Because I used flakes, it now has the appearance of Vienna style egg. It’s even more appealing to me this way.
I am definitely going to save this to Recipes-to-Repeat.
Thank you, again!
Mniam mniam
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Excellent! We're glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your review!
Lynne says
This is amazing. It really has the same texture and taste as an egg yolk.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you love it, thank you Lynne for the review 🙂
Kimberly Mercado says
Love this recipe, I’ve been making it for years and it never disappoints. I also love your ultimate breakfast sandwich!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That makes me so happy to hear, Kimberly! I'm thrilled both recipes are longtime favorites 🥰
margaretthequeen says
u my dear, are a bit of mad genius! not only does it MOUTHFEEL the yolk, the taste is BANG ON SCRUMMY and we’ve brought our 🥚 cups back oot for brunch! xox from the uk😋
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha, thank you so much!! I am so thrilled you loved it so much! I have so much fun creating recipes like this. 🙂
Mia says
Been making this for years now, totally hits the spot!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That makes me so happy, Mia! 😊 I love hearing it’s been a go-to for you over the years!
Allison says
This is so f -ing amazing. It tastes just like an egg yolk and has same texture too! I love it!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay!
Shane says
Not good.... the smell the taste- nothing like egg yolk, vegan or not. Followed the recipe step by step. I've been vegan for 13 years and this is not it.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for the feedback, Shane. This recipe has a 4.96 rating from over 350 votes, so I wonder if there might have been a mix-up with the salt—using kala namak is key for that eggy flavor. Appreciate you giving it a try! 💛
Lynn says
Hi Marlis - thought I would jump in to help with this question... nooch is nutritional yeast.
Deb says
I thought this recipe was amazing! I guess we all have different tastes
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
THanks Deb!
Pam B says
wow wow wow, easy peasy and hit the spot perfectly! love this so much, mind is blown! your a genius! off to pore over your other amazing recipes
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay!!! SO thrilled you love it Pam, thank you for the review 🙂
Lynette says
What a delightful dupe! I could (and *definitely* have not) eaten with a spoon!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hahaha, love it! So happy you enjoyed it so much Lynette!
Christine says
Oh my goodness, this was sensational!!!
I was really craving something eggy and this absolutely hit the spot.
The flavour profile and texture was extraordinary.
Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put in to refining your recipes.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay!! THank you so much Christine!!! I am so thrilled you loved it so much 🙂
Christine says
This reheats really well (microwave or saucepan) so now I just make double batches and store it in the fridge so it’s always on hand. I didn’t realise how much I missed “dippy eggs”. Thank you SO much for taking the time and effort to make this recipe.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I love that idea! I have also heard that some people like to freeze it in ice cube trays, then just pop a few cubes out and reheat! I'm so thrilled you love it Christine! Thank you for the review 🙂
Joy Reading says
Can I use this in as a yolk substitute in a carbonara?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh yes! That would be delicious and should work well. Enjoy!!
Doris says
Loved this!!! There was plenty to eat and l ran out of toast before finishing it off.Telling everyone I know to give it a try.Made the tofu bacon to go with it.I had to bake the
“bacon” longer ,but it was delicious 😋
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! I am so happy you loved it Doris! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Davina says
I made this a few years ago, and we all loved it! Delicious! Will it make a difference if I use an alternate starch like arrowroot powder?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Davina, So happy to hear you loved it! 😊 Yes, you can use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch, but the texture may turn out a little different—arrowroot tends to create a slightly more gel-like consistency and can break down if overheated. I’d recommend using the same amount and keeping the heat moderate to prevent it from getting too gloopy. Let me know how it turns out if you try it!