When baking cakes, cookies, and other dishes, some recipes require whole eggs, while others only use egg yolks or whites. This leaves leftover yolks or whites.

Actually, you don’t need to use these leftovers on the same day. Just store them correctly, and you can use them the next time you need them in a dish.

Storing Egg Yolks and Whites

Basically, unused egg yolks and whites can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. However, the freezing method is crucial. Storing egg yolks is slightly more complicated than storing egg whites, so let’s start with egg yolks.

How to Freeze and Thaw Egg Yolks

Frozen egg yolks become very thick, and even after thawing, they cannot be used in the same way as regular egg yolks.

Therefore, before freezing egg yolks, remember to whisk them in a bowl until smooth. Then add a pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, or a pinch of syrup, and continue whisking until combined. Then you’re ready to freeze. As for whether to add salt, sugar, or syrup, it depends on the type of dish you plan to use the egg yolks in.

Next, you need to freeze the egg yolks. Some people put the yolks in an airtight container before freezing, while others put them directly in a resealable freezer bag. You can also use your own methods.

To use frozen egg yolks, simply take them out to thaw. It’s recommended to move the airtight container or resealable freezer bag from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before thawing. They can be used after thawing overnight.

If you forget to do this, you can rinse the container or resealable freezer bag under cold water until it softens. Please note that thawed egg yolks should be used as soon as possible in dishes that will be cooked thoroughly.

How to Freeze and Thaw Egg Whites

Freezing egg whites is much simpler than freezing egg yolks. No additional processing is required; simply put the egg whites in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and freeze them directly.

In addition, some people have found that ice cube trays are also great for storing egg whites; one compartment is roughly the amount of egg white from one egg. You can also use ice cube trays to store egg yolks, one egg per compartment, which is very convenient. However, it’s recommended to put an extra layer of resealable plastic bag over the ice cube tray to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.

The method for thawing egg whites is similar to that for egg yolks. Move the egg whites from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before and leave them overnight.

However, it’s better to let the egg whites sit at room temperature for a while after taking them out of the refrigerator, about 20-30 minutes. If you don’t have time, you can skip this step. Remember to use the thawed egg whites as soon as possible.