Impact of using egg yolks vs whites in a spaghetti dish?

Impact of using egg yolks vs whites in a spaghetti dish? - Table for cooking in kitchen with eggs eggshells spaghetti and garlic on blurred background

I'm making a dish that calls for several egg yolks and 1 full egg (all scrambled together) to be poured over hot spaghetti and cooked salt pork (to cook the egg), and I'm wondering how much of a difference using yolks vs using whites makes.

If I could use the entire egg, I would be able to use less total eggs; but if this will have a serious impact on the dish, then I don't want to mess it up.

Thoughts?



Best Answer

The Yolk and White are very different and I would expect to see a significant difference in result.

That isn't to say it will be bad, just different.

The Yolk is the source of fat. It is going to impart flavor to the dish and provide a creamier texture.

The White is mostly protein and so will set more, have more of a texture impact.

If it called for several whole eggs and you wanted to take a Yolk or two out for less fat, that would have less of a variance, but switching several Yolks to several Whites should definitely alter the results.

Extra info:
Here is some nutritional information of a Large Whole/White/Yolk.
http://www.incredibleegg.org/health-and-nutrition/egg-nutrients/nutrient-chart

You will see they both carry protein however the Yolk has almost twice as much fat as protein while the White has less than 2% of fat as it does protein.

This makes their behaviors very different.




Pictures about "Impact of using egg yolks vs whites in a spaghetti dish?"

Impact of using egg yolks vs whites in a spaghetti dish? - Delicious pasta and salad on table
Impact of using egg yolks vs whites in a spaghetti dish? - Cook adding flour into baking form while preparing meal
Impact of using egg yolks vs whites in a spaghetti dish? - Crop unrecognizable cook adding flour into stainless baking dish while cooking meal with spaghetti cherry tomatoes garlic herbs and lemon



What does adding egg yolk to pasta do?

Specifically, he uses egg yolks to "transform even the barest scraps of food in the refrigerator into something exponentially more pleasurable," he says. The chef's pro-tip is simple: stir an egg yolk into any dish that begs for an element of thickness or creaminess. That's it.

Should you use egg yolks for pasta?

Using a higher ratio of egg yolks to egg whites ensures delicate, rich, yellow noodles with a classic Italian flavor and texture. Kneading by hand allows for optimal control over the quality of the dough. Adding salt to the dough provides a more balanced flavor.

What effect does adding egg white have on a pasta recipe?

The more egg white, the more pliable the dough; the more yolk, the richer the pasta will be. There are endless variations, but for a dough that works every time use: 1 whole egg plus 2 yolks for every 150g of flour.

What is the purpose of egg yolks in making sauce?

The protein in the egg yolk makes the water around the butterfat more viscous, generating that soulful feeling of fulfillment as your taste buds meet the sauce.




More answers regarding impact of using egg yolks vs whites in a spaghetti dish?

Answer 2

Whites behave differently (coagulate differently, for instance). If it is a dish you'd likely make more often - why not try both variants and see how you like it? Everyone's got their own preferred style, perhaps it fits you?

Answer 3

Tried this both ways. Yolks only is the way to make this wonderful dish. A little bit of white won’t matter if you don’t separate them completely. After frying the pancetta almost all the way add minced garlic and a little white wine, let wine cook off for a few minutes. Delish.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Klaus Nielsen, Sam Lion, Klaus Nielsen, Klaus Nielsen