Yolk

The yolk is the round, yellow part of an egg that provides the main source of nutrients for the developing embryo in fertilized eggs. It is rich in fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a significant dietary component in many cuisines globally. Understanding what is yolk is essential for various culinary applications.

In culinary uses, yolk is a critical ingredient in many dishes. It serves as an emulsifier in sauces like mayonnaise and hollandaise, adding richness and flavor. Chefs often use yolk in custards, ice creams, and pasta dough, where it contributes to a smooth texture and color. Knowing how to cook yolk properly is vital to achieve desired results in these dishes.

Yolk nutrition is notable; it contains nutrients such as vitamin D, B vitamins, and healthy fats. One large yolk typically contains around 55 calories. While it is often considered high in cholesterol, moderation is key as the yolk's nutrient density provides benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

When storing yolks, it's best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for about two days. For longer storage, yolks can be frozen by whisking them with a little salt or sugar to prevent them from becoming gelatinous. Understanding types of yolk can also inform cooking techniques, as color variations may indicate different feed sources for hens.

Yolk nutrition per 100g

Energy
Calories 330kcal 16%
Protein
Protein 16g 11%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 1.02g 0%
Fiber 0.00g 0%
Sugar 0.56g 1%
Fat
Fat 30g 34%
Saturated 10g 32%
Cholesterol 1080mg -
Vitamins
Vitamin A 380ug 42%
Choline 820mg 149%
Vitamin B1 0.18mg 15%
Vitamin B2 0.47mg 36%
Vitamin B3 0.02mg 0%
Vitamin B6 0.35mg 21%
Vitamin B9 150ug 36%
Vitamin B12 1.95ug 81%
Vitamin C 0.00mg 0%
Vitamin E 6mg 38%
Vitamin K 0.70ug 1%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 130mg 10%
Copper, Cu 0.08mg 9%
Iron, Fe 2.73mg 25%
Magnesium, Mg 5.00mg 1%
Phosphorus, P 390mg 31%
Potassium, K 110mg 3%
Selenium, Se 54ug 101%
Sodium, Na 50mg 3%
Zinc, Zn 2.30mg 21%
Water
Water 50g -
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Yolk recipes

Gnocchi with truffled mushrooms

Indulgent gnocchi with creamy truffled mushrooms and herbs.

30 Dec 2025

Creamy chocolate ice-cream with dark chocolate sauce

Decadent creamy chocolate ice cream with rich dark chocolate sauce.

08 Jan 2026

Sweet potato gnocchi with basil pesto

Delicious sweet potato gnocchi tossed in fresh basil pesto.

12 Feb 2026

Potato and prosciutto salad with aioli

A hearty potato and prosciutto salad with creamy aioli.

18 Jan 2026

Biscuit bows

Delightful lemon-scented biscuit bows, perfect for tea time.

11 Nov 2025

Giant portuguese tart

A large, creamy custard tart with cinnamon and lemon zest.

21 Jan 2026

Strawberries & cream ice-cream

Delicious strawberries & cream ice cream, perfect for summer.

28 Jan 2026

Passionfruit curd

Make this tangy passionfruit curd for a delicious spread or filling.

17 Dec 2025

Potato and bacon soup

A comforting potato and bacon soup, rich in flavor and creamy texture.

16 Jan 2026

Salted caramel apple pie

Delicious salted caramel apple pie in a flaky crust.

24 Jan 2026

Lamb and lentil cottage pie

Enjoy a hearty Lamb and Lentil Cottage Pie with creamy mash.

12 Feb 2026

Mini cheese and bacon 'sausage' rolls

Savory mini cheese and bacon rolls, perfect for parties.

10 Feb 2026

Passionfruit curd

Make a tangy passionfruit curd that's perfect for spreading or baking.

23 Nov 2025

Chilli and lime mayonnaise

Zesty chilli and lime mayonnaise, perfect for dips and sandwiches.

27 Jan 2026

Banoffee pie

Decadent Banoffee pie with bananas, caramel, and whipped cream.

27 Dec 2025

Vanilla-infused whole-grain crepes with butter and milk

Delicious vanilla-infused whole-grain crepes perfect for breakfast.

01 Dec 2025

Baked chocolate custards

Decadent baked chocolate custards, easy and rich in flavor.

27 Nov 2025

Mint chocolate puddings

Luxurious mint chocolate puddings with a molten center.

16 Jan 2026

Mocha custard pots

Indulge in rich mocha custard pots with chocolate and coffee.

17 Jan 2026

Honey macadamia pie

A rich Honey Macadamia Pie with a buttery crust and nutty filling.

23 Jan 2026

Sticky date pudding with chai custard

Indulge in warm sticky date pudding topped with spiced chai custard.

08 Jan 2026

Steamed coconut custards

Delicious steamed coconut custards with tropical flavor.

21 Jan 2026

White chocolate cream and strawberry mille-feuille

A delightful layered dessert of puff pastry, white chocolate cream, and strawberries.

23 Nov 2025

Mama k's kue soes

Indulge in these delightful Indonesian cream puffs filled with vanilla-rum custard.

02 Feb 2026

Basic sweet shortcrust pastry

Make a simple, crisp sweet shortcrust pastry for desserts.

04 Dec 2025

Caramel custard-filled apple pie

A creamy caramel custard-filled apple pie for dessert lovers.

03 Feb 2026

Crumb cake

Enjoy this buttery crumb cake with a rich topping, perfect for tea or coffee.

13 Nov 2025

Gluten-free caesar salad with anchovies

A delicious gluten-free Caesar salad with anchovy dressing.

10 Feb 2026

Asparagus with roasted red capsicum mayonnaise

Enjoy asparagus with creamy roasted red capsicum mayonnaise.

10 Feb 2026

Chocolate and cinnamon pudding

Indulge in creamy chocolate and cinnamon pudding, a comforting dessert.

26 Jan 2026

Baked salmon with asparagus

A simple and healthy baked salmon with asparagus dish.

30 Dec 2025

Chicken, leek and green pea pies

Hearty chicken, leek, and green pea pies in puff pastry.

28 Dec 2025

Burnt caramel ice-cream

Indulge in rich burnt caramel ice cream made from scratch.

12 Dec 2025

Caramel tarts with maple pecans

Indulge in rich caramel tarts topped with roasted maple pecans.

18 Dec 2025

Roasted white chocolate caramel tart

Indulge in a rich roasted white chocolate caramel tart.

22 Jan 2026

Cinnamon bavarois

Creamy Cinnamon Bavarois—perfect for any occasion!

16 Nov 2025

Orange creme brulees

Indulge in creamy Orange Crème Brûlée with a caramelized topping.

15 Feb 2026

Quince tarte tartin

Elegant quince tarte tatin with caramel and a flaky crust.

09 Feb 2026

Lemon curd

Easy homemade lemon curd for delightful desserts and spreads.

09 Dec 2025

Greek easter cookies (koulourakia)

Delicious Greek Easter cookies with citrus zest and a buttery flavor.

25 Nov 2025