11 aquafaba recipes, savory to sweet

Aquafaba is a natural egg white substitute that is 100% vegan and can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory to sweet.

Legend has it that aquafaba became “a thing” in 2015 when Goose Wohlt, a vegan software developer, commented on the What Fat Vegans Eat Facebook group about how delicious meringues could be made without the use of egg whites. Needless to say, this was groundbreaking information for many. It was one of those “one small step for humans, one giant leap forward for humans, the planet and the animals” moments.

Aquafaba defined

Aquafaba is essentially the liquid from beans.

Most often, aquafaba refers to the juice of chickpeas, but the juice of other beans has the same properties as the liquid from a packet of tofu or a can of peas. Slow cooking beans will turn the liquid in your pot into your aquafaba, but it’s easiest to take it straight out of a can (and use the leftover beans in salads and other recipes).

Benefits of Aquafaba

The fewer eggs we eat, the fewer chickens suffer.

The reason why the discovery of aquafaba for cooking is so groundbreaking is that in the cooking and eating world (two very big worlds), egg white was a lot like cheese. Before vegan cheese got really, really good (thanks, Miyoko!), cheese lovers around the world couldn’t imagine going vegan because they just couldn’t live without cheese. And for many cooks, especially those who love to bake, the idea of cooking without the airy help of egg whites was unthinkable.

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Enter aquafaba, aka bean juice — like the kind you usually pour down the sink when you open the can. Turns out there was liquid gold in the stuff. Just as egg whites can be used to make puddings and crusts light, fluffy and smooth, aquafaba brings the same qualities to a dish.

Aquafaba is not only easy and versatile to cook, but also a welcome alternative as an egg substitute for people with milk and nut allergies. The fewer eggs we humans consume, the fewer chickens will live lives of ongoing physical and emotional suffering.

How to cook with aquafaba

Two to three tablespoons of aquafaba can replace one egg white when baking or even cooking savory dishes. Every recipe is different, so be sure to follow the instructions of the vegan chefs who create the recipes, or definitely experiment to your heart’s content with this superstar ingredient.

Like me, you’re probably getting hungry, so without further ado, here’s a collection of ultra-yummy aquafaba recipes:

Savory Aquafaba Recipes

1. Whipped vegan butter

In this video, Chef Ashley Alexander shows you how to use aquafaba to make a creamy plant-based alternative to dairy butter.

2. Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe

Mary’s Test Kitchen has a variety of recipes using the magic bean juice, and this vegan mayonnaise will fool all your carnivore friends.

3. Vegan Aioli Sauce

Midnight Munchies and More makes this tasty aioli sauce with malt vinegar.

4. Vegan French Toast

You don’t have to wait until morning to serve this Runaway Good Vegan French Toast from Goodful.

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5. Vegan crepes

Billed as Mauritian fusion cuisine, Veganlove creates delicious plant-based recipes including these to die for egg-free crepes.

6. Crispy fried potatoes

A virtual vegan created this recipe for crispy potatoes that don’t use oil. These potatoes propel aquafaba into the upper echelons of super tasty, crowd-pleasing home cooking.

Sweet Aquafaba Recipes

7. Vegan meringues with strawberries

These delicious Happy Pear Aquafaba Meringues with Strawberries will put a smile on your face (and so will the video).

8. Lemon Meringue Pie

The Vegan Corner is positive proof that going vegan isn’t about hardship. This lemon meringue pie recipe is perfect for spring picnics or other special occasions when you want to soak up the sun.

9. Aquafaba Chocolate Mousse

Tasty offers this delicious chocolate mousse recipe that’s easy to make with just four ingredients. For more delicious recipes, check out my post on decadent vegan desserts.