Egg Foo Young Recipe
Egg Foo Young is a golden, puffy Chinese omelette loaded with crisp bean sprouts, spring onions, and your choice of shrimp or chicken. Fried until the edges are lacy and crisp, it is draped in a glossy soy-based gravy. It is quick, comforting, and a brilliant way to turn a few eggs into a proper dinner.
- Prep time
- 15 mins
- Cook time
- 15 mins
- Total time
- 30 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Calories
- 380
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Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 150 g cooked shrimp, chopped (or cooked chicken)
- 200 g bean sprouts
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, finely julienned
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
- 250 ml chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper until well combined.
- Fold in the shrimp, bean sprouts, spring onions, and carrot, mixing gently so the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Ladle in about a quarter of the egg mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is golden, then flip and cook for 1 minute more.
- Slide the omelette onto a warm plate and repeat with the remaining mixture, adding oil as needed, to make 4 omelettes.
- For the gravy, bring the chicken stock, oyster sauce, and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the gravy turns glossy and thick.
- Spoon the hot gravy over the omelettes and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Pro tips
- Keep the pan hot enough that the edges crisp up — a lukewarm pan makes a pale, soggy omelette.
- Do not overload the egg mixture with filling or the omelette will fall apart when flipping.
- Make the gravy last so it is piping hot when it goes over the omelettes.
- Leftover omelettes reheat well in a dry pan the next day.
Frequently asked questions
What is Egg Foo Young traditionally made with?
It is an omelette-style dish made with beaten eggs, bean sprouts, spring onions, and a protein such as shrimp, chicken, or pork, served with a savoury gravy.
Can I make Egg Foo Young without shrimp?
Absolutely — cooked chicken, ham, tofu, or just extra vegetables all work beautifully. The eggs and bean sprouts are the real stars.
How do I stop Egg Foo Young from breaking when flipping?
Wait until the underside is properly set and golden, use a wide spatula, and flip confidently in one smooth motion. A good non-stick pan helps enormously.
