Delicious and Easy Homemade Egg Foo Young Recipe

Ingredients

6 large eggs
1 cup of cooked chicken, diced
1 cup of cooked shrimp, diced
1/2 cup of diced bamboo shoots
1/2 cup of diced water chestnuts
1/2 cup of diced mushrooms
1/2 cup of diced onions
1/2 cup of bean sprouts
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of white pepper
1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup of chicken broth
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1/4 cup of water

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the cooked chicken, cooked shrimp, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, mushrooms, onions, bean sprouts, soy sauce, and white pepper. Mix well to combine.
Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Using a ladle, scoop about 1/2 cup of the egg mixture into the pan for each patty, making sure to include the solids and liquids. Flatten the patties slightly with the back of the ladle.
Cook each patty until browned on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Then flip the patty and cook until the other side is browned, about 3-4 more minutes. Repeat with the remaining egg mixture, adding more oil as needed.
To make the gravy, combine the chicken broth and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then heat over medium heat until the broth thickens into a gravy.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the gravy, continuing to cook and stir until the gravy thickens.
Serve the Egg Foo Young patties hot, topped with the gravy.

Tools for making

Large Bowl - For mixing the egg mixture and other ingredients
Non-stick Skillet - Used to cook the Egg Foo Young patties
Ladle - To scoop and flatten the egg mixture in the skillet
Small Saucepan - For making the gravy
Whisk - To beat the eggs and mix the ingredients

Recipe variations

Swap the chicken and shrimp for other cooked meats such as beef, pork, or turkey.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
Add different spices or seasonings to the egg mixture, such as garlic powder, ginger, or chili flakes, to customize the flavors.
Replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Experiment with different vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, or thinly sliced cabbage.
Try using a different type of oil for frying, such as peanut oil or sesame oil, to add a distinct flavor.
Make mini Egg Foo Young patties by using a smaller ladle and reducing the cooking time slightly.
Serve the Egg Foo Young patties with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Add a touch of sweetness by drizzling some sweet and sour sauce or hoisin sauce over the patties.
For a spicy kick, garnish the Egg Foo Young with sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Recipe overview

Egg Foo Young is a classic Chinese dish that's packed with various ingredients and offers a delicious combination of tastes and textures. This versatile recipe features a flavorful blend of eggs, chicken, shrimp, and an assortment of vegetables. It's all cooked together in a skillet to create lightly browned and fluffy patties. A homemade gravy, rich and savory, is the finishing touch that brings the whole dish together. From prep to plate, expect to spend around 30 minutes on this recipe. With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, Egg Foo Young is a delightful choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

Can I use other meats or vegetables in Egg Foo Young?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by using different meats such as beef, pork, or even tofu. You can also add or substitute vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas.
Can I make Egg Foo Young ahead of time?
It is best to serve Egg Foo Young fresh and hot. However, you can prepare the egg mixture and chop the ingredients in advance to save time. Cook the patties and make the gravy just before serving.
Can I freeze Egg Foo Young?
It is not recommended to freeze the cooked Egg Foo Young patties as they may become soggy when thawed. It is best to consume them immediately.
What can I serve with Egg Foo Young?
Egg Foo Young is often served with steamed white rice. You can also serve it with noodles or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a more well-rounded meal.
Can I make Egg Foo Young without frying?
If you prefer a healthier version, you can make mini Egg Foo Young frittatas in a muffin tin and bake them in the oven instead of frying. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is Egg Foo Young gluten-free?
The recipe itself does not contain gluten. However, you should check the labels of your ingredients, especially the soy sauce, to ensure they are gluten-free if you have specific dietary restrictions.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large bowl - Used for mixing the egg mixture and other ingredients.
Non-stick skillet - Ideal for frying the Egg Foo Young patties without sticking.
Ladle - Used for scooping and shaping the egg mixture into patties in the skillet.
Small saucepan - Needed for making the gravy.
Whisk or spoon - Used for stirring the cornstarch and water slurry for the gravy.

Origin stories

Egg Foo Young, a dish familiar to many as a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, is actually a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of early Chinese immigrants. The dish, which essentially is a deep-fried egg pancake filled with various meats and vegetables, has its roots in the tumultuous Gold Rush era. Faced with limited ingredients and a need to cater to Western palates, these resourceful immigrants created a fusion dish that combined elements of authentic Chinese cooking with readily available local ingredients. In a delightful twist of irony, while it's now often seen as an 'Americanized' dish, the spirit of Egg Foo Young perfectly captures the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine - resourcefulness, adaptability, and the harmonious balance of diverse ingredients.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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