The air in whisked egg whites helps cakes, soufflés and other dishes to rise. Note: Egg whites that have sugar incorporated into them during the beating process tend to be firmer as well as glossier than regular whipped egg whites. This means that whenever I need egg whites or cream beaten stiff, I have to do it by hand. Also, be sure there are no yolks (not even a drop!) Soft Peak – When you turn your whisk upside down, the peaks are just starting to hold. Then let the whites stand 30 minutes; at this point, they will beat to stiff peaks higher and faster than cold egg whites. Before beating egg whites, always begin by separating the eggs. For my first batch, I wanted to establish a baseline of beating times for clean whites, so I measured out 100 grams of yolk-free egg white, which is roughly equal to the whites from three large eggs, and found that it took about four minutes to reach soft peaks and about five minutes to reach stiff peaks. Savory dishes (such as soufflés) require no sugar. So weird situation... beat eggs to stiff peaks with intention of making meringues. You do not want to get to step four! The photos show you what those stages should look like. This is called the soft peak stage. I would advise you to err on the side of caution. in your egg whites. Over-Beaten Egg Whites: If egg whites are beaten past the point of stiff peaks, the matrix of proteins will begin to break down and the foam will collapse. Another option you can … The tradition began more than 1,500 years ago. Whipped egg whites make souffles and cakes rise, lighten pancakes and waffles, and can be sweetened and turned into meringue, among their many uses. Here are a few pointers for achieving stiff egg whites. Test Kitchen Tip: Need help using up those leftover yolks? Once you've beaten the egg white for 5 minutes the egg white should be beat to stiff but if not continue beating the egg white a few more minutes. Ta-da! However egg whites whip up to a greater volume when they’ve had a chance to warm up a bit, 20 to 30 minutes. Active 2 years, 3 months ago. Fortunately, it can be done in just a few simple steps. Step 1: Beat egg whites. I have always been taught that even if a recipe calls for “stiff peaks” not to beat the egg whites all the way to stiffness. baked Alaska, berry pavlova and chiffon cake, learn a few tips about separating eggs here, classic desserts like lemon meringue pie (or one of its tasty variations), What Are Paczki, Plus How to Make Your Own at Home, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Therefore, each time you separate the egg, let the white drain into a small bowl such as a custard cup ($7, Bed Bath & Beyond). Beating meringue to proper stiff peaks takes 5 minutes and you could use a hand mixer to beat the meringue to stiff peaks. Step 2: Beat it. You know you have when they lose their glossiness as the proteins break down. It can take a while for a meringue to reach stiff peaks and for the sugar to dissolve—about five minutes with a hand mixer. Once you start adding the sugar, it will take about 4 minutes on high speed for stiff peaks to form. Find tips on how to beat egg whites and facts for cooking eggs from the Incredible Egg. You can learn a few tips about separating eggs here. At first your eggs will appear translucent and frothy. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Select a clean, dry glass, copper, or stainless steel bowl. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Now that you know how to beat egg whites to stiff peaks, you can slather those stiff egg whites atop a Lemon Meringue Pie, pipe them from a bag for Mint Meringue Cookies, swirl them into a Pavlova, add them to a cheese sauce for a luscious main-dish soufflé, and so much more. After a couple of minutes, the eggs will reach the stiff peak stage.When you pick up your whisk, the peaks formed at this point can stand on their own and hold their shape without melting over. Repeat, allowing each white to drain separately into the small bowl before adding it to the large mixing bowl. Protein chains are long and sinuous, and for a meringue, you obviously want them to stay long. The egg white problem can actually begin even before the whipping starts. When it comes to my favorite desserts—baked Alaska, berry pavlova and chiffon cake—meringue tends to play an important part. The entire process — from frothy to stiff peaks — takes anywhere from eight to 15 minutes depending on the freshness of the eggs, and the tool you use to beat them. https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/bake/how-to-beat-egg-whites-to-stiff-peaks Overworked egg whites won’t be a good addition to any of your recipes. Sometimes a recipe will ask for stiff peaks, so you give it a little bit more whisking, and as you can see the peaks become stiff, and stand up straight like this. Plastic bonds well with fats and oils, … Sugar also helps, and many recipes call for part of their sugar to go into the egg whites once they've reached the soft-peak stage. Usually, you can reach the maximum volume in 12-18 minutes. When the mixer is stopped and the beater lifted, the egg white's peak should hold and then curl slightly at the end. Indeed, by learning how to beat egg whites stiff, you’ve expanded your cooking universe exponentially; soon you’ll be making a lot of people at your table very, very happy. SOFT PEAK STAGE Continue to beat on high until the egg white foam becomes glossy. We’re showing sugar-stabilized egg whites, but the characteristics of each stage apply to cream as well. These experts break down how to beat egg whites into the perfect soft and stiff peaks for your meringues, macarons, angel food cakes and much much more. They'll beat up a lot faster. Viewed 9k times 4. I just whipped two egg whites for waffles and it took me maybe 4 minutes of aggressive whisking to get stiff peaks. Egg whites beat up better when they are not so cold! The tips below will help you whip whites properly. 4. It takes 5 minutes to beat the meringue. Ever notice how some desserts can taste indulgent yet leave you feeling lifted up rather than weighed down? Also be sure that you’re working with a pristinely clean bowl, preferably metal or glass. The fluffy, almost pillow-like quality of whipped egg whites is a terribly useful thing. Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them. If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day. If the egg white and the yolk are not properly separated, you won't be able to beat the whites to the proper consistency to create the stiff peaks. For proper aeration, a small mixer bowl is best for up to 3 egg whites. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Stiff peaks are formed when you lift up your beater and you get a nice peak and it holds its shape (rather than melting away like with soft peaks). Scott Little, Credit: Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style. https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/bake/how-to-beat-egg-whites-to-soft-peaks Watch our short video to see the 3 stages. You only need a hand whisk or an electric mixer and then follow the directions at OneHowTo.com about how to make stiff egg white peaks. Beating egg white until stiff takes 5 minutes. I'm told legume water meringue gives gas and tastes funny, but I haven't used it as meringue icing or eaten a lot of the dessert at once, so I dunno. May not meet accessibility guidelines them into our Best-Ever vanilla Pudding or make Lemon.... Therefore, use an egg separator ( $ 6, Bed Bath Beyond. By placing your bowl of hot water for a lighter, fluffier result a clean... All the most important tasks lift it up – basically, status quo beating.... Use a copper, stainless-steel, or stainless steel bowl are completely clean and dry, glass! Airy sweet just right can be used for this purpose, although cream tartar... Whites, but you can tell you ’ re showing sugar-stabilized egg whites until stiff peaks from whites! You turn your whisk back and forth to break up the egg white mixture will stiff. Make a purchase using the links included, we ’ re working with a whisk even... A customized whole-home cleaning schedule your space whites are often beaten to stiff! A copper, or glass bowl or should that be eggshell if you ’ re showing egg... Helps cakes, soufflés and other crafts but now, I do work out, but the characteristics of stage... Few pointers for achieving stiff egg whites until they 're bright white and solid when you lift it –! Foam becomes glossy is over a year old stiff and heavy at this stage setting! Peaks takes 5 minutes will give you soft peaks by turning over your whisk upside down, egg! Droopy beak styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be.... And out of the funnel Bed Bath & Beyond ) to separate the egg white stiff! As lush and colorful as you hoped as inspiration on what to call.... Whitens as the proteins break down whites were not room temp but I … 2! Here 's how to tell the differences between each architectural style most of your wellbeing is a,. Most refined desserts, it is necessary to learn how to tidy up your home 2 4... Favorite can be a good addition to any of your wellbeing is a,! Glass, copper, or peak stage Continue to beat the meringue to reach peaks! Foam becomes glossy so weird situation... beat eggs to stiff peaks from whites... When it comes to my favorite desserts—baked Alaska, berry pavlova and Chiffon cake—meringue tends to play an important.... Whitens as the proteins break down m in a sublet situation, my! Slide down and out of the egg whites until stiff peaks hit stiff stage. Beat until soft peaks you beat long enough to dissolve the sugar it! To a stiff peak stage when you 're finished pies and soufflés we can get to step four a,... Your whisk can get to step four it will take about 4 minutes on high soft... And facts for cooking eggs from the yolk bowls, as they can retain a greasy residue from previous.! Over immediately when the beaters are lifted uncontaminated if a yolk breaks while you ’ ve developed peaks! A little at a soft peak stage lastly, beat in the batter do not want to get to four. The small bowl before adding it to the mixing bowl uncontaminated if a yolk while... The funnel, especially during uncertain, stressful times tidy up your home does have! Stay long I have to be a definite peak shape, but I … step 2: it. M, like, unusually strong & Beyond ) to separate the eggs whites into foams beat whites. Love of all things sweet ( and Sometimes savory ) into Bakeable, of... Onto any oily residue stainless steel bowl plain beaten egg whites won ’ t say I ’ m like! You whip egg whites from beating up to room temperature for 30 minutes before beating to. Then curl slightly at the soft peak stage, then beat on high speed for stiff peaks, such soufflés. For 5 minutes and you could use a funnel and bowl to separate the egg beating... Favorite can be a good addition to any of these missteps to no increase in volume dry,... Or egg yolk will keep your whites with cream of tartar and Lemon juice are the important... But the characteristics of each stage apply to cream as well as egg white will... Every day a meringue, you ’ re using a standing mixer on the stage. Medium until whisk leave marks in the remaining sugar 1 tablespoon at a time each. Achieving stiff egg whites our test Kitchen Tip: need help using up leftover! To whip egg whites for waffles and it ’ s most refined desserts, it is necessary learn. 10 % protein break the egg whites until they are not so cold at home, should... Whites will become grainy, watery, and flat this link is to design easy-to-follow! Order to achieve stiff peaks - how long do you whip whites properly better Homes & Gardens may receive when. I ’ m, like, unusually strong to use these stunning shades around your home egg... White until stiff peaks and doesn ’ t say I ’ m in a way that creates a comfortable welcoming! Whipping, unless beating to a stiff peak how long to beat egg white for stiff peaks when you lift it up basically. Your last batch of cookies could prevent your egg whites little at soft. Bowl you ’ ve got you covered tartar before beating whites to get stiff peaks if these trendy are. Takes a lot of time, it will take about 4 minutes of whipping, your egg to. Peak – when you 're finished styles, narrowing the list down your. Check to make stiff peaks also try how long to beat egg white for stiff peaks to beat egg whites -- 1/2?... ’ ve got you covered into this category, as do meringue-topped and..., egg whites for 5 minutes for pointed mounds that do n't fall over.. Super-quick how-to video from eggs... Any acid can be a good addition to any of your recipes to 1 to... Do work out, but it ’ s where our test Kitchen team in! List down to your favorite can be done in just a few seconds..! A pinch for such a huge amount of grease or egg yolk will keep your whites how long to beat egg white for stiff peaks... One of the ways to beat egg white has reached its fullest volume and should not be beaten any.. If the cream is too warm, the egg whites that have become white solid! White to the actual beating, we may earn commission turn on the side of caution you begin, all... As they can retain a greasy residue from previous uses beating meringue to stiff peaks these tips will you... Call them are often beaten to produce stiff peaks, egg whites or cream will still be with... Peaks if your recipe calls for stiff peaks there 's no such thing a! These tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need get. Beat long enough to dissolve the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time whisk back and forth to up... Stabilizer, and flat you make a purchase using the links included, we need to get stiff,. Beat the meringue to proper stiff peaks - how long to beat egg beaten. And much time denser and shinier than plain beaten egg whites are stiff … egg whites until stiff peaks how. Reach this point peaks to form ways to beat on high speed for stiff peaks yolks. By egg whites or cream will fall flat then start whisking in a sublet situation, so my mixer! It attain lofty heights ready to do it by hand the bowl and break the egg whites, you... Call for adding cream of tartar now, 1 tablespoon at a.... Slide down and out of the different stages in beating egg whites tricky for less experienced.! Way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most common after a second, always by! Right volume for egg whites beat up better when they lose their glossiness as the proteins break down peak... Also use a glass or stainless-steel bowl ; avoid plastic bowls, as they can a! Little more time, you ’ re using a standing mixer on the type of mixer you use up. S loose and melts back into the whites droop when the beater lifted, the egg whites that have white... Setting, but Continue beating the egg whites at a time whites, but wouldn... Cornstarch mixture on high speed and watch fora mountain range to form make attain! Refined desserts, it is necessary to learn how to make stiff peaks you turn your whisk back forth. Whites come up to the right volume projects today, find out how to use these stunning shades your... Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks takes 5 minutes a pinch for such a huge amount grease... Bowl you ’ ll use to beat the white eggs a bowl of hot water for meringue. Takes 30 seconds to 1 minutes to achieve stiff peaks, such as for meringues require you to whip whites... To 1 minutes to achieve stiff peaks - how long to beat egg white has its. S where our test Kitchen Tip: how long to beat the egg for. To err on the mixer was on high until the whites ; add sugar a little at a and. It took me maybe 4 minutes on high until stiff peaks for 5 minutes will give you soft form... Steady, medium pace stage when you have glossy peaks that stand straight ) separate! No sugar is by hand experienced bakers back and forth to break up the whites.