Egg Foo Young with Gravy
Crispy, savory egg omelettes filled with tender shrimp and crunchy bean sprouts, all smothered in a rich, umami-packed brown gravy. A beloved Chinese-American restaurant classic you can easily make at home.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Gravy
- b.In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Whisk to combine.
- c.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- d.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until no lumps remain, creating a smooth slurry.
- e.While continuously whisking the simmering broth, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes as the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- f.Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil. Cover and keep warm on the lowest heat setting.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Egg Foo Young Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, crack all 12 eggs and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are just combined.
- c.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Stir to incorporate.
- d.Fold in the chopped shrimp, mung bean sprouts, chopped onion, and sliced scallions. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed in the egg batter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Patties
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering (about 350°F or 175°C).
- c.Using a 1/2 cup measure, carefully ladle the egg mixture into the hot oil to form individual patties. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches of 2-3 at a time.
- d.Fry for 2-4 minutes on the first side, until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the patty using a wide spatula.
- e.Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until the patty is fully cooked through and golden.
- f.Remove the cooked patties with a slotted spatula and transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil. This keeps the bottom crispy.
- g.Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Arrange 2 hot Egg Foo Young patties on each serving plate.
- c.Generously ladle the warm gravy over the patties.
- d.Garnish with extra sliced scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest edges, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the egg mixture. A drop of batter should sizzle immediately.
- 2Drain bean sprouts thoroughly after rinsing. Excess water can make the patties soggy and cause the oil to splatter.
- 3Use a wire rack for draining the fried patties. Placing them on paper towels can trap steam and make the underside less crispy.
- 4To ensure uniform patties, use a ladle or a 1/2 cup measuring cup to portion the batter into the skillet.
- 5The gravy can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Substitute the shrimp with an equal amount of finely diced char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), shredded chicken, or crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
VegetableVegetable
Add other finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots to the egg mixture for extra texture and flavor.
GravyGravy
For a richer gravy, use beef broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a splash of Shaoxing wine for more depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With a combination of eggs and shrimp, this dish provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and choline. Shrimp adds minerals like iodine and zinc, contributing to a well-rounded nutritional profile.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which includes two patties and gravy, contains approximately 370-420 calories. This can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific ingredients used.