Egg product and process

Abstract

Disclosed are a freeze-thaw stable egg product and a process for preparing it. The product comprises discrete pieces of egg, bound together and covered with a batter coating. Preferably, the discrete pieces of egg include from about 0.5 to about 4.0% of water-binding carbohydrates including cold-water-insoluble starch and hydrophilic colloids to obtain freeze-thaw stability. The use of cold-water-insoluble starch, and the addition of the hydrophilic colloids in a blend with a vegetable oil, are helpful in obtaining good mixing without excessive shear. The egg mixture is cooked, diced and coated with a binder. Preferably, the binder is added in two portions, one dry and one liquid. The dry portion preferably employs cold-water-soluble gelatin which provides structural integrity during forming but is liquid at serving temperature, thereby adding juiciness and enhancing flavor release. The products are batter dipped and preferably breaded, and are preferably prepared for serving by deep fat frying.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.