Egg Foo Young

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Egg Foo Young is a savory Chinese-style omelet packed with ham, bean sprouts, and onions, served with a flavorful gravy. Its crispy edges and hearty fillings make it a satisfying meal suitable for brunch or dinner, especially when paired with rice and vegetables for a complete dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked ham
  • 1 cup well drained bean sprouts
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Accent
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 to 8 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon La Choy brown molasses Chinese brown sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix cooked ham, bean sprouts, chopped onion, soy sauce, Accent, and salt together in a bowl.
  2. In a separate small bowl, combine eggs, cold water, cornstarch, and soy sauce, then beat lightly.
  3. Drop 1/2 cup portions of the egg mixture into heated oil in a skillet, forming omelets.
  4. Cook until lightly browned on one side, then turn and cook the other side.
  5. Transfer the cooked omelets to a warm platter to drain excess oil.
  6. Prepare gravy by cooking the last six ingredients (soy sauce and Chinese brown sauce) until thickened.
  7. Serve the omelets over rice topped with the gravy. Optionally, add Chinese noodles, green onions, or celery for added flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, substitute half the eggs with egg whites. You can also replace cooked ham with cooked shrimp or tofu for a variation. Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of white pepper for extra flavor. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the egg mixture to achieve a crispy texture. For a more filling meal, serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Egg Foo Young over a bed of fluffy white rice, drizzled with the thick gravy for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider adding some Chinese Chicken Soup or a side of ginger chicken stir-fry.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the omelets in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to create steam if needed. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a low setting, covered, for about 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Egg Foo Young contains roughly 1585 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 153g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1585 kcal 79% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.7g 11% DV
Total Fat 153.4g 100% DV
Carbs 45.7g 17% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 410.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 261.7mg 87% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 44.9mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 113.1mg 9% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Egg Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Egg Foo Young ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture and fillings ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the omelets just before serving. This helps maintain the texture and freshness of the dish.

Is it possible to make Egg Foo Young vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ham with diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even tofu. Just ensure that the soy sauce you use is vegetarian-friendly to keep the dish meat-free.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of potato starch or arrowroot powder. Both alternatives will help thicken the egg mixture while maintaining a similar texture in the final dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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