Egg Foo Young is a beloved Chinese dish that combines fluffy eggs with savory fillings of shrimp, pork, and vegetables. Its crispy exterior and tender inside make it a comforting and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste, adding different meats or even going vegetarian. Whether you enjoy it with a drizzle of soy sauce or a savory gravy, Egg Foo Young is sure to satisfy any craving for delicious, hearty food.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 large eggs
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1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
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1/2 cup cooked pork (or chicken), chopped
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1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
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1/4 cup green onions, sliced
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1/4 cup bean sprouts
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1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
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Add the cooked shrimp, pork (or chicken), mushrooms, green onions, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts to the bowl.
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Stir in soy sauce, cornstarch, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper.
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Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat and add a little oil.
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Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, allowing it to form a large, thin pancake.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and repeat with the remaining egg mixture.
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Serve the Egg Foo Young hot with extra soy sauce or a homemade gravy if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
The Versatility of Egg Foo Young
One of the best things about Egg Foo Young is its adaptability. While the traditional recipe often uses pork or shrimp, you can easily swap in your favorite protein or go completely vegetarian. Common variations include chicken, beef, or even tofu for those seeking a plant-based option. The dish can also be tailored to your taste preferences, with different vegetables or seasonings being added to give it a unique twist. This flexibility is part of what makes Egg Foo Young such a crowd-pleaser, as it can be customized to suit various dietary needs or flavor profiles.
In addition to the protein and vegetable options, the sauce for Egg Foo Young is another area for customization. The traditional brown gravy is rich and savory, but you can also experiment with a sweeter sauce or a spicy version to add a different flair. Whether you like your Egg Foo Young drenched in gravy or prefer it on the side for dipping, this dish can cater to a wide variety of tastes.
The Cooking Process: From Start to Finish
Preparing Egg Foo Young is relatively simple, which is why it’s such a great recipe to whip up on busy weeknights or when you’re in the mood for a quick yet satisfying meal. The process starts with the preparation of the ingredients, which are then mixed into beaten eggs, forming the flavorful base for the dish. After that, the mixture is cooked in a skillet, allowing the eggs to form a crispy outer layer while remaining tender and fluffy inside.
Once the omelet is cooked to perfection, it is often topped with a savory sauce or served alongside extra soy sauce for additional flavor. The dish can be made into individual servings or cooked as a large, family-style platter for sharing. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit. The crispy edges and soft, savory filling make each bite a delightful experience, while the added sauce elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Why You Should Make Egg Foo Young at Home
Egg Foo Young is a dish that many people associate with their favorite Chinese restaurants, but there are several reasons why you should try making it at home. First and foremost, cooking it yourself allows you to control the ingredients and make sure that everything is fresh. Restaurant versions can sometimes be heavy on oil or salt, but when you make Egg Foo Young at home, you can adjust the seasonings to fit your taste and dietary preferences.
Another advantage of cooking Egg Foo Young at home is the convenience. While it might seem like a dish best suited for dining out, it’s actually quick and easy to prepare. The entire process can take less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, if you have leftovers, Egg Foo Young reheats beautifully, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or a second-day meal.
Healthier Adjustments and Alternatives
If you’re looking to make Egg Foo Young a bit healthier, there are several adjustments you can make. For example, you can use a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, or you can opt for a lighter sauce that’s lower in sodium. Substituting leaner proteins such as chicken breast or tofu can also reduce the overall calorie content while still providing plenty of flavor.
If you prefer to make a vegetarian or vegan version of Egg Foo Young, it’s easy to adapt. Replace the animal proteins with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan oyster sauce or other vegan condiments to ensure the dish remains cruelty-free. You can also incorporate more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the nutrient content and add more color to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Foo Young can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other Chinese or Asian-inspired dishes. Serve it with a side of steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a more filling meal. If you’re looking to make it a more balanced dinner, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad to round out the meal.
For those who enjoy the combination of sweet and savory, Egg Foo Young can also be served with a small bowl of sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping. This extra touch can take the dish to the next level and offer a different flavor experience with each bite. Whether you’re having it as a main dish or as part of a larger spread, Egg Foo Young is sure to be a crowd favorite.
The Savory Sauce: An Important Element
The savory sauce that accompanies Egg Foo Young is an essential part of the dish. The sauce is typically made with ingredients like soy sauce, broth, and cornstarch to thicken it, but you can add a variety of other seasonings to adjust the flavor. Some recipes call for oyster sauce, while others might include a bit of sugar or vinegar to balance the richness of the dish.
For a more authentic experience, try making your own gravy at home. It’s a simple process that only requires a few pantry staples, and the homemade version is much lighter and fresher than the pre-made sauces you find in restaurants. Plus, making the sauce from scratch allows you to control the flavor, ensuring it complements the Egg Foo Young perfectly.
Conclusion
Egg Foo Young is a dish that is not only delicious but also highly versatile and easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. Its crispy exterior, tender interior, and savory fillings make it a satisfying and comforting meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Plus, the ability to customize the ingredients and sauce makes it a dish that can be tailored to any dietary preference or craving.
Making Egg Foo Young from scratch also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, allowing you to create a version that perfectly suits your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, Egg Foo Young is an excellent choice. It’s a simple, flavorful, and fun recipe that brings the best of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen.
Egg Foo Young offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s a comforting dish that brings together savory eggs, tender meat, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a crispy shell. Whether served with a rich gravy or just a dash of soy sauce, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.