There are many, many ways to separate an egg yolk from the egg whites. However, none of these hacks are interchangeable. How you want to separate eggs depends on the kind of approach you want. If you want it for a last-minute omelette before leaving for work, you’ll need a mess-free approach.
A sieve or a mini colander would be your best bet since they can promise a clean separation. There are plenty of kitchen utensils and accompaniments which can help you separate eggs flawlessly and that too without breaking the yolk.
A Plastic Bottle
If you're in a pinch and don't have specialised tools on hand, a plastic bottle can serve as a makeshift egg separator. Crack the egg into a bowl or plate. Then, squeeze the empty bottle slightly to create a vacuum, place the mouth of the bottle over the yolk, and release the pressure to suck up the yolk into the bottle. Once the yolk is inside the bottle, you can just squeeze it again to deposit it into a separate container. This method is fast, effective and requires only a common household item.
A Slotted Spoon
If you're looking for a utensil-based approach, a slotted spoon can serve as a handy egg separator. You can use any slotted spoon or ladle; even a slotted spatula will do the trick. Simply crack the egg into a bowl and gently lower a slotted spoon into the mixture. Position the spoon over the yolk and carefully lift it out; you’ll see that the egg whites drain through the slots while the yolk remains in the spoon. Transfer the yolk to another container.
A Kitchen Funnel
For precise separation and minimal mess, separate your eggs with a funnel! Crack the egg into a bowl and place a clean funnel over the mixture. Gently pour the egg into the funnel, allowing the egg whites to flow through while the yolk is retained at the top. Transfer the yolk to another container; this method is ideal for those who prefer a controlled and tidy approach.
A Cocktail Strainer
Investing in cocktail equipment is never a waste because it usually serves you in unusual ways. For instance, did you know you can use a cocktail shaker to perfect a chilled frappe or cold brown sugar espresso? And you can use a cocktail strainer to separate eggs. The fine mesh of the cocktail strainer effectively separates the egg whites from the yolk while minimizing the risk of yolk breakage.
It’s a relatively clean process, as the strainer catches the egg whites, and prevents them from spilling onto the countertop or other surfaces. Simply choose a strainer with a fine mesh to effectively capture the egg whites and let the yolk remain intact. Crack the egg carefully to avoid breaking the yolk prematurely. Hold the cocktail strainer over a bowl or container to catch the separated egg whites.
A Bowl
You can crack eggs in a simple bowl and still separate the whites. Crack the egg in any bowl (preferably a mid-sized stew bowl) and simply herd the yolk to one side of the bowl with a spoon. Cup the yolk with the spoon so it stays on one side. If you tip the bow slightly, you’ll see the whites slide back down into the bowl. Lift out the yolk, tip it into a second bowl, and repeat as needed. Try using a soup spoon as it can cover the yolk completely.
A Sieve
Using a sieve to separate eggs is a straightforward method. Crack the egg into the sieve placed over a bowl. The egg white will filter through the sieve and it will leave the yolk behind. This method is effective and requires only a sieve, which makes it a convenient option for home cooks. It makes sure you have clean separation without the risk of yolk breaking and it’s your best bet for providing fluffy egg whites too.
A Saucer And Shot Glass
Crack your egg onto a saucer or small side plate. Turn a shot glass upside down, and place it carefully over top of the yolk. Now, put a finger or a palm on top of the shot glass, to hold it firmly and then take the saucer and tilt it over a bowl. The egg white will slide off the saucer and into the bowl. This hack is the easiest if your eggs are cold; in case the yolk moves really slowly, simply twist the shot glass a few times.