Egg Foo Young is a delightful Chinese-American dish that combines the simplicity of an omelette with the rich flavors of Asian cuisine. This versatile recipe can be customized with your choice of vegetables and protein, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day.
While most of the ingredients for Egg Foo Young are common, you might need to visit the supermarket for bean sprouts, which add a crunchy texture to the dish. Additionally, if you choose to include shrimp or chicken, make sure they are pre-cooked for convenience.

Ingredients for Egg Foo Young Recipe
Eggs: The base of the dish, providing protein and structure.
Bean sprouts: Adds a crunchy texture and freshness.
Onions: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
Bell peppers: Adds color and a slight sweetness.
Shrimp: Optional protein that adds a seafood flavor.
Chicken: Optional protein for a more hearty dish.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the omelettes.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making Egg Foo Young, ensure that the vegetable oil is hot enough before pouring in the egg mixture. This helps to create a nice, crispy edge on the omelette and prevents it from sticking to the pan. Additionally, using a non-stick frying pan can make flipping the omelette easier and result in a more uniform golden brown color.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Crumbled tofu can mimic the texture of eggs and is a great vegan alternative.
bean sprouts - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage provides a similar crunch and can be used if bean sprouts are unavailable.
chopped onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions.
chopped bell peppers - Substitute with chopped zucchini: Chopped zucchini can provide a similar texture and a mild flavor.
chopped cooked shrimp - Substitute with chopped cooked tofu: Chopped cooked tofu is a good vegetarian alternative that can absorb flavors well.
chopped cooked chicken - Substitute with chopped cooked turkey: Chopped cooked turkey can be used as it has a similar texture and flavor profile.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative with a slightly different flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the Egg Foo Young to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the omelette soggy.
Place the cooled Egg Foo Young in an airtight container. If stacking multiple pieces, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The Egg Foo Young will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, wrap each omelette individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Egg Foo Young can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen Egg Foo Young in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and warm each omelette for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the Egg Foo Young on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and flipping halfway through.
For an extra touch, drizzle with additional soy sauce or your favorite sauce before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover egg foo young on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the egg foo young with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the egg foo young in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
Microwave Method
- Place the egg foo young on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
Steaming Method
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the egg foo young in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the egg foo young in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk the eggs and combine all the ingredients.
Whisk: A utensil used to beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
Chopping board: A flat surface used to chop the onions, bell peppers, and optional cooked shrimp or chicken.
Knife: A sharp tool used to chop the vegetables and optional cooked meat.
Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the egg mixture into omelettes.
Spatula: A tool used to flip the omelettes in the frying pan.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the bean sprouts, chopped onions, bell peppers, and optional cooked shrimp or chicken.
Tablespoon: A measuring spoon used to measure the soy sauce and vegetable oil.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onions and bell peppers in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked protein: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp or chicken to save cooking time.
Batch cook: Make multiple omelettes at once by using a larger pan.
Mix ingredients ahead: Combine the eggs, bean sprouts, and other ingredients the night before.
Quick heat: Use a non-stick pan to reduce cooking time and ensure easy flipping.

Egg Foo Young Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped cooked shrimp or chicken optional
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- 2. Add the bean sprouts, chopped onions, bell peppers, and cooked shrimp or chicken (if using) to the eggs. Mix well.
- 3. Stir in the soy sauce.
- 4. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 5. Pour a portion of the egg mixture into the pan, forming a small omelette. Cook until the edges are set and the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- 6. Flip the omelette and cook the other side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining egg mixture.
- 7. Serve hot with additional soy sauce if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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