Eggs are one of the most versatile foods in the kitchen. They bind, thicken, enrich and set, and they are also a complete dish on their own.
- Source
- Hen eggs (also duck, quail, goose)
- Parts
- Shell, white, yolk
- Protein
- A good source of protein
- Allergen
- Yes: egg is a major allergen
- Safe cooking
- Cook until whites and yolks are firm for vulnerable people
History
People have gathered eggs from wild birds since prehistory. Chickens were domesticated from jungle fowl in Southeast Asia, and egg farming spread across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Eggs became a staple in almost every cuisine.
Where it comes from
Domestic chickens come from the red junglefowl of South and Southeast Asia.
Where it is used most
Eggs appear everywhere: shakshuka in North Africa and the Middle East, tomato and egg stir fry in China, tortilla in Spain, omelettes in France, egg curry and bhurji in India, and in baking worldwide.
Varieties and types
Chicken eggs are the standard, and shell color (white or brown) depends on the breed. Duck, quail and goose eggs are used in special dishes. Pasteurized eggs are available for uncooked recipes.
Flavor and how to use it
Eggs bind batters, set custards, thicken sauces, and add richness to doughs. For fried rice and stir fries, they are scrambled gently in the pan. Room-temperature eggs mix more evenly in baking.
Buying, storing and substitutes
Keep refrigerated in their carton and use before the date on the box. Do not eat eggs with cracked shells. Substitutes vary by recipe; flax or commercial egg replacers work in some baking.
Good to know
Raw and lightly cooked eggs can carry Salmonella. Pregnant people, young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system should eat eggs fully cooked. This is general information, not medical advice.
Recipes that use it
- Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara
- British-Style Scones
- Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Easy Egg Drop Soup
- Easy French Crêpes
- Easy Shakshuka
- Easy Vegetable Fried Rice
- Fluffy Pancakes
- Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
- Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Indian Egg Curry
- Kimchi Fried Rice
- Menemen (Turkish Eggs with Tomato and Peppers)
- Moist Banana Bread
- Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)
- Pad Thai
- Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
- Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) with Cream Sauce
- Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
- Tortilla Española (Spanish Potato Omelette)
- Vegetable Bibimbap
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