How To Beat Egg Whites to 'Form Peaks': A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

By Devi Poojari

Introduction

A key technique in multiple recipes, beating egg whites to form soft or stiff peaks is crucial to achieving the desired results for any kind of dish. Whether you want a soft, airy texture or an almost hollow and jiggly one, beating egg whites can make or break a recipe.

Add Acid

Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to your egg whites, to help stabilize and maintain the formation of peaks.

Increase Whisking Speed

Increase the speed setting on your electric whisk to medium-high or high and continue to beat the whites until they resemble a cloud-like consistency.

Soft Peaks

A tell-tale sign of your egg whites getting soft peaks is by checking if the small mounds curl up top and don’t hold their shape completely.

Stiff Peaks

For stiff peaks, continue beating the whites until it doubles up in volume and holds its form, resembling a glossy and firm mass.

Prepare Egg Whites

Make sure that your egg whites are separated from the yolk and that there is no bits of shell in the whites you plan on whipping.

Whisk Thoroughly

Preferably, use an electric whisk at a low but consistent speed to whisk your whites until they become frothy and opaque.