Egg Foo Young is a popular Chinese-American dish, consisting of a savory omelet made with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat or shrimp, served with a delicious gravy. It’s quick, satisfying, and can be customized with various fillings. Here's a simple and tasty recipe for Egg Foo Young:
Ingredients:
For the Omelet:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork (optional, can be omitted for a vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (green onions or yellow onion)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green)
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper to the eggs, and mix well.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork (if using), along with the bean sprouts, onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Mix until everything is well combined.
2. Cook the Omelet:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.
- Pour in half of the egg mixture to form one large omelet (or divide the mixture into smaller portions for individual omelets).
- Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to set, then gently flip it over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the omelet from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Repeat the process for the remaining egg mixture.
3. Make the Gravy:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Once the broth is simmering, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the gravy thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add white pepper and sugar (if using), and adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Serve:
- Place the cooked omelets on a serving plate and pour the hot gravy over the top.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or as a standalone dish.
Tips:
- You can customize the filling with other vegetables like water chestnuts, carrots, or cabbage for more flavor and texture.
- For extra richness, add a small amount of oyster sauce to the gravy.
This Egg Foo Young is a delicious, hearty dish with a savory gravy and a satisfying egg-based filling. Enjoy it as a comforting meal for lunch or dinner!