Egg Substitute For Meatballs

What can I use instead of egg in meatballs?

Can I use them in Jewish meatballs or Kobe meatballs and more?

The Top 15 Egg Substitutes For Meatballs in 2024

Eggs are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor color and texture to dishes. They also provide nutrients such as protein and cholesterol.

There are many Egg substitutes that can be used if you have egg allergies or they can be used to fix dry meatballs.

What Can I substitute for egg in meatballs? – Examples are buttermilk and ricotta cheese.

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There are several types of egg substitutes each with its own properties and we explore the best 15 egg binder substitutes for meatballs in 2024 below.

15 Egg Substitutes for Meatballs in 2024

Why do my meatballs fall apart? Maybe you need to add a little applesauce – with lots of tips like these we now explore the egg alternatives for meatballs below.

1) Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is lower in fat content and is one of the healthier cheese-based alternatives for eggs in making egg-free meatballs.

Ricotta also has a reasonable level of water so it is a good meat glue substitute for eggs.

Ricotta also provides a great flavor profile when you make Sweedish Meatballs Emeril style.

2) Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a good substitute for eggs in meatballs when you want to make drop meatballs with saltines.

Why because its chemical composition while different, is the most similar to eggs.

Buttermilk also pairs well with breadcrumbs in meatballs and also works well when you make egg free Tia Mowry Turkey Meatballs. Remember this choice for an egg alternative when you are using leftover thanksgiving turkey and turning it into Tia Mowry Meatballs

3) Applesauce

Are you looking for a dairy-free, vegan substitute for vegan meatballs? Try using unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs and even call your meatballs “meatballs with apple sauce”. 

We all know pork meat pairs well with apples. This is a fantastic alternative to use instead of poultry eggs I often use it to make meatballs without breadcrumbs and no egg also.

Making eggless meatballs using unsweetened applesauce, with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg with making a wintertime meatball come to life. 

Applesauce is also a top substitute when making Indian Meatballs.

4) Yogurt

Plain or Greek yogurt is a perfect alternative in making eggless meatballs.

Use plain Greek yogurt, which contains live cultures and healthy bacteria. It helps the dish be firm and shaped when cooked because it acts as a leavening like the eggs.

In addition, plain yogurt contains a high nutritional value, making it advantageous if you are health-conscious.

If you are not sure how much to use, start by replacing a 1/8 cup of yogurt with each egg and work you way up to a larger amount from there.

Use Yoghurt as a substitute for eggs when making Swedish meatballs.

5) Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is another excellent option for meatballs without eggs. Especially if you are having spaghetti or pasta with meatballs.

Tomato Paste adds color and flavor to the dish.

It is also high in water content, making a softer texture to the meatball.

If you use tomato paste, you’ll need to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of it per egg. 

Use Tomato Paste as a substitute for eggs when making Italian meatballs.

6) Tofu

Tofu may sound unusual to some, but it can also replace egg in meatballs. If you have never tried tofu before, you should give it a go. It is a food made from soybeans and comes in various soft, silken, extra firm, and firm forms.

It is a versatile product that can be used to give the meatballs a denser and heavier meatball than eggs.

To replace one egg with tofu, you will need to use a quarter cup of tofu. However, it would help to drain it thoroughly before using it in your meatballs. 

Use Tofu if you want Gluten Free Egg Free Meatballs.

Can You Reheat Tofu

7) Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another good egg alternative when making vegan meatballs with Quorn.

It gives the meatballs a thick, starchy texture. They are easy to prepare and can be used in any kind of dish. 

You can easily replace an egg with mashed potatoes by using a 1/8 -to 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes per egg. You should also add salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to add more flavor to the dish, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

8) Aquafaba Vegan Egg Replacement for Meatballs

Aquafaba is a liquid extracted from chickpeas and is a Great Egg Replacer in Meatballs instead of egg.

It has been gaining popularity as the number of people turning Vegan has increased over the last decade.

It is a great vegan substitute for eggs because it does not contain cholesterol and is safe those who have egg allergies.

Plus, it gives airy meatballs as a result. It is also considered a natural emulsifier.

To replace one whole egg with aquafaba, you will need to add about 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba.

To further help bind the meatballs together, you can add up to 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.

9) Monterey Jack For Egg Free meatballs.

Using finely diced cheese as a binder can also give you a great meatball result – you should combine it with some cornstarch or flour to further bring the meatballs together. If done right you get little bursts of cheese as you eat the meatballs.

10) Walnuts

Walnuts give an amazing tang to a meatball and can be used with tomato paste to make a really tasty meatball. I love them at a BBQ.

The Walnut organization also has a great “California Walnut Meatless Meatballs” recipe.

11) Use Panade Instead Of Eggs In Meatballs

If you have not heard of a Panade, it is a mix of milk and bread that is brought together to make a paste. This panade paste becomes a global cooking alternative to eggs in any meatball recipe.

The panade meatballs hold their moisture better than a traditional homemade meatball that uses egg.

12) Ground Flax Seed

Finely ground flaxseed can be used as an egg binder substitute. It does not have strong taste so can be used in a homemade meatball or a spicy Mexican meatball recipe, just without the egg.

Start by mixing 3 tbsp of water with one tbsp of ground flaxseed. This approximates one egg in a meatball recipe.

13) Ripe Bananas

If you are stuck and have some ripe bananas they can be used as an alternative to eggs, especially in plant based meatballs.

Use one ripe banana (medium size) to replace one egg.

14) Tapioca Starch

Make a Tapioca starch slurry – 3 tablespoons of water mixed well with 1 tablespoon of Tapioca to replace one egg. This works well with a pork and apple meatball.

15) Lupin Flour

Lupin flour is a neutral-tasting alternative to cornstarch or flour. It is a high fiber flour and therefore will help make a healthy high-fibre egg free meatball.

Make a Lupin flour-water mix – 2.5 tablespoons of water mixed well with 1 tablespoon of Lupin flour to replace one egg.

What are the Tips in Substituting Eggs in Meatballs

First of all, know that when substituting eggs for meatballs using the alternative listed above, there will be changes in texture and flavor. You will not get the exact meatball mix that you used to have. Hence, we give you these tips to achieve the savory flavor that you want:

1) Make sure to measure out the number of ingredients needed to make the meatballs before starting.

2) When mixing the meatballs, remember to mix all the ingredients well.

3) Always keep in mind the consistency of the meatballs while cooking.

4) Be careful not to overcook the meatballs.

5) Add salt and pepper to taste.

6) Use the right pan for baking the meatballs.

7) Try not to overcook the meatballs.

How to Make Meatballs Without Eggs

If you are looking for a way to make the perfect meatballs with eggs substitute, here are some ideas that you might like:

1) If you do not want the overpowering flavors of the alternatives, you can add salt and pepper to it. You can also opt to add Italian seasoning or sauces like marinara sauce. They are a great addition to the meatball mix.

2) Applesauce is the perfect substitute for lactose-intolerant or dairy-free diets.

3) Instead of using milk, you can use water or vegetable broth.

4) You can also use tomato paste instead of ketchup.

5) Use panko breadcrumbs to give extra texture

6) You can also replace the egg whites with a flaxseed meal.