Egg Foo Young is a Chinese-American classic that brings together the comforting flavors of an omelet with a deliciously savory gravy. This dish is perfect for those days when you want something quick but impressive. It’s a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.
The star of the show is, of course, the eggs. They create the fluffy base that holds everything together. The cooked chicken breast adds a hearty protein boost, while the bean sprouts bring a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the eggs. Green onions and white onion contribute an aromatic sharpness, and peas add a sweet pop of color. A dash of soy sauce and sesame oil infuses the mixture with umami richness, enhanced by a touch of salt and black pepper for balance. The vegetable oil helps cook the pancakes to golden perfection. To finish, a luscious sauce made from chicken broth, oyster sauce, and a cornstarch slurry brings everything together.
Egg Foo Young is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or with a side of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach. For a fuller meal, you might consider adding a bowl of hot and sour soup.
Start by cracking four large eggs into a mixing bowl. Give them a good whisk until they’re nice and smooth. Next, toss in the diced chicken breast, bean sprouts, finely chopped green onions, white onion, and peas. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together until well mixed.
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, pour about 1/3 cup of your egg mixture into the skillet, letting it spread into a small pancake. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and set. Keep repeating this step until all the mixture is used up.
Now, onto the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth and oyster sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth, then add this to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your liking. Drizzle this over your Egg Foo Young pancakes before serving.