Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine to your table. This egg-based recipe is not only versatile but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion—from a family dinner to a brunch gathering. The unique combination of ingredients offers both texture and taste, ensuring that each bite is satisfying. Plus, you can customize it with your choice of proteins like chicken or tofu, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Ingredients: Use chicken, beef, or tofu based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Delicious Flavor Profile: A mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices gives this dish a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Great for Any Meal: Serve it as a main course or side dish; it’s versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures easy flipping and prevents sticking while frying the egg patties.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for whisking eggs and combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve fluffy eggs by thoroughly mixing air into the egg mixture.
- Spatula: Ideal for flipping the egg patties gently without breaking them apart.

Ingredients
For the Egg Patties
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup cooked shrimp (diced (or use beef, chicken, or tofu))
- ¼ cup thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake or white button)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for binding)
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil work best)
For the Gravy
- 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- Fresh chopped scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chili oil for a kick
How to Make Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse and chop your vegetables—bean sprouts, carrots, green onions, and mushrooms. If using shrimp or an alternative protein like chicken or tofu, ensure they are cooked and diced.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl:
1. Crack the eggs and whisk until well combined.
2. Add in soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, flour, and your prepared vegetables.
3. Gently fold in the diced shrimp (or alternative protein).
Step 3: Fry the Patties
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat:
1. Add enough neutral oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
2. Once hot, pour about ¼ cup of the egg mixture into the skillet for each patty.
3. Cook until golden brown on one side (about 3-4 minutes), then flip carefully using a spatula.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
In a saucepan:
1. Combine chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth; then add this mixture to the gravy.
3. Stir continuously until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 5: Serve
Plate your crispy egg patties topped with gravy. Garnish with fresh scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired. Enjoy your homemade Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young!
How to Serve Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, here are some creative ideas to elevate your meal.
With Rice
- Serve your egg foo young over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
With Gravy
- Drizzle warm Chinese gravy over the egg foo young to add flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall experience.
As a Sandwich
- Place the egg foo young between two slices of bread or in a wrap for a delicious and portable lunch option.
Topped with Scallions
- Garnish with fresh chopped scallions for added crunch and a pop of color, making your dish visually appealing.
With Chili Oil
- Add a drizzle of chili oil on top for those who enjoy a spicy kick, balancing the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
To achieve the best results with your Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and proteins enhance flavor and texture in your dish.
- Whisk eggs well: Ensure that the eggs are well-beaten before mixing in other ingredients for a light and fluffy texture.
- Heat oil properly: Make sure your frying oil is hot enough before adding the mixture; this helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Cook evenly: Use medium heat to ensure that the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
- Experiment with fillings: Try different proteins like chicken or tofu and add unique vegetables based on your preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tasty options that complement Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young perfectly:
- Fried Rice: A classic side that adds more textures and flavors, packed with veggies and protein.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Colorful mixed vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce provide freshness alongside your egg foo young.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make for an excellent crunchy contrast to the soft egg foo young.
- Noodle Salad: A chilled noodle salad with sesame dressing offers a refreshing balance to this warm dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli drizzled with garlic sauce brings a nutritious element to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad provides a crisp side that cuts through the richness of egg foo young.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Bold ingredient choices: Using low-quality or expired ingredients can ruin your dish. Always choose fresh vegetables, eggs, and proteins for the best results.
- Bold neglecting measurements: Skipping the precise measurements of ingredients can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Bold frying temperature: Cooking at too high or low temperatures can result in uneven cooking. Aim for medium heat to get a golden brown color without burning.
- Bold overcrowding the pan: Placing too many patties in the pan at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy Egg Foo Young. Fry in batches for a crispy texture.
- Bold not letting it rest: Skipping the resting time after cooking can lead to a less cohesive texture. Allow your patties to rest briefly before serving for better structure.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
- You can freeze Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young for up to 2 months.
- Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Reheating Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
- Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Bold Microwave: Place a patty on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30-second intervals until warm.
- Bold Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat each patty for about 2-3 minutes on each side until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young:
What is Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young?
Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young is an omelet-like dish made with eggs, vegetables, and protein, often served with savory gravy.
Can I customize the ingredients in Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young?
Yes! You can add different vegetables or proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu based on your preferences.
How do I make the gravy for Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young?
To make gravy, combine chicken or vegetable broth with soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch mixed with water. Heat until thickened.
What vegetables work well in Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young?
You can use bean sprouts, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste by adding different vegetables or proteins. This dish is perfect as a main course or side dish and is sure to impress at any meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chinese-Style Egg Foo Young, a savory omelet dish that beautifully combines eggs with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein, such as chicken or tofu. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely brunches, allowing you to whip up a satisfying and healthy meal in about 35 minutes. The crisp exterior and fluffy interior make each bite a treat, while the rich gravy adds an extra layer of flavor. Whether served as a main course or side dish, this customizable dish will surely impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup diced chicken, beef, or tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Neutral oil for frying
- 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh chopped scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chili oil for a kick
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and cooking your chosen protein.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings. Fold in vegetables and protein.
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup of the mixture for each patty and cook until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Flip carefully.
- For the gravy, heat broth with soy sauce and sugar in a saucepan; thicken with cornstarch mixed with water.
- Serve patties topped with gravy and garnish as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (80g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
