How to Store Egg Yolks

If you have spare egg yolks left after making a dish that only required the whites, it is possible to keep them a little longer while you work out what dish to use the yolks in. Here are some suggestions for storing egg yolks safely.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Freezing the Yolks

Yolks will freeze well.

1
Pour each yolk into a separate compartment of a large ice cube tray or freeze together in a small container with a lid.
2
Cover the ice cube tray with a freezer bag.
3
Place in the freezer. Use within the month.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Refrigerating the Yolks

1
Put the egg yolks into a small container.
2
Cover the yolks with either water or a small amount of melted butter.
3
Put a lid on the container and place the container in the refrigerator. Stored in this way, the egg yolks will keep for up to 5 days, refrigerated.
- Drain the water before using the egg yolks in your recipe.

Community Q&A

Question

Does it make a difference if the container is not covered with a lid?

Community Answer

It does. Air-tight storage will hold yolks for three to five days. If you don't use air-tight storage, you've got 24 hours maximum.