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

Spaghetti carbonara

Creamy spaghetti carbonara with bacon and garlic.

13 Jan 2026

Orange creme brulees

Indulge in creamy Orange Crème Brûlée with a caramelized topping.

15 Feb 2026

Passionfruit curd

Easily make tangy passionfruit curd for desserts and spreads.

15 Feb 2026

Skordalia

A creamy Greek garlic dip made with potatoes and olive oil.

15 Jan 2026

Double chocolate creme brulee

Indulge in this rich double chocolate creme brulee.

13 Dec 2025

Carpaccio

Elegant beef Carpaccio with a zesty dressing, perfect for appetizers.

29 Dec 2025

Lamb and lentil cottage pie

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

12 Feb 2026

Bomboloni

Delicious Italian bomboloni, fluffy doughnuts perfect for filling.

14 Feb 2026

Mini cheese and bacon 'sausage' rolls

Savory mini cheese and bacon rolls, perfect for parties.

10 Feb 2026

Basil gnocchi

Tender basil gnocchi tossed in butter for a comforting dish.

16 Dec 2025

Blood orange tart

A vibrant Blood Orange Tart with a buttery crust and whipped cream.

04 Dec 2025

Passionfruit & coconut semifreddo

A refreshing Passionfruit & Coconut Semifreddo, perfect for summer.

26 Dec 2025

Orange and almond biscotti

Crispy orange and almond biscotti, perfect with coffee or tea.

17 Feb 2026

Creamy mayonnaise dressing

Make rich and creamy mayonnaise dressing at home easily.

16 Feb 2026

Lemon and pistachio biscotti

Enjoy lemon and pistachio biscotti, perfect for coffee or tea.

12 Dec 2025

Dark chocolate and raspberry mousse

A creamy dark chocolate mousse with tart raspberries.

14 Jan 2026

Salted caramel apple pie

Delicious salted caramel apple pie in a flaky crust.

24 Jan 2026

Chocolate creme brulee

Decadent chocolate crème brûlée with a caramelized sugar crust.

18 Feb 2026

Spaghetti carbonara

Creamy spaghetti carbonara with bacon, broad beans, and leeks.

21 Dec 2025

Vanilla custard

Creamy vanilla custard made with just a few simple ingredients.

27 Nov 2025

Greek-style chicken soup with lemon and dill

Comforting Greek chicken soup with lemon and dill.

06 Jan 2026

Semi-dried tomato aioli

A creamy, flavorful semi-dried tomato aioli perfect for dipping or spreading.

07 Jan 2026

Creme brulee tart

Delightful Creme Brulee Tart with a crispy crust and caramelized topping.

10 Dec 2025

Luscious custard pots with sweet oranges

Creamy custard pots topped with sweet, candied oranges.

10 Jan 2026

Banana and coconut custards

Creamy banana and coconut custards with a caramelized top.

24 Dec 2025

Banana pudding with cinnamon custard

Creamy banana pudding topped with spiced cinnamon custard.

24 Jan 2026

Chilli and lime mayonnaise

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

27 Jan 2026

Caramilk eggnog

Indulge in creamy Caramilk eggnog with dark chocolate and rum.

09 Dec 2025

Banana and coconut cream pie

A refreshing Banana and Coconut Cream Pie with a buttery crust.

23 Nov 2025

White chocolate custard

Rich and creamy White Chocolate Custard, perfect for dessert.

20 Dec 2025

Quick apple pie

A speedy apple pie with a crunchy almond topping.

01 Feb 2026

Orange crema catalana

A creamy orange twist on the classic Catalan dessert.

27 Jan 2026

Sweet cheese cake

A creamy cheesecake with orange zest and almond for a unique dessert.

16 Nov 2025

Chicken carbonara with bacon, pine nuts and parmesan cheese

A creamy chicken carbonara with bacon, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.

04 Jan 2026

Asparagus with roasted red capsicum mayonnaise

Enjoy asparagus with creamy roasted red capsicum mayonnaise.

10 Feb 2026

Chocolate profiteroles

Light and airy chocolate profiteroles filled with rich custard.

17 Jan 2026

Cinnamon chocolate ice-cream

A creamy homemade cinnamon chocolate ice cream that's easy to make.

23 Nov 2025

White chocolate cream and strawberry mille-feuille

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

23 Nov 2025

Chicken, caramelised leek and cheddar tart

A delicious tart filled with chicken, caramelised leeks, and cheddar.

20 Dec 2025

Berry nutella hand pies

Delicious hand pies filled with raspberries and Nutella.

24 Nov 2025