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What Is Chicken Egg Foo Young?

Angie Bates
Angie Bates

A type of Chinese omelette, chicken egg foo young includes vegetables as well as chicken and eggs. Although the exact origins are unclear, this dish was created no later than the 1940s in the United States as a variation of a similar Szechuan dish. Available in most American Chinese restaurants, chicken egg foo young is not difficult to make at home.

White meat chicken is usually used for chicken egg foo young. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common option when preparing this dish at home. The chicken is normally sliced and may be marinaded before being cooked. Marinades are often simple and may only include two or three ingredients, such as soy sauce and sesame oil.

Shiitake mushrooms are a common addition to chicken egg foo young.
Shiitake mushrooms are a common addition to chicken egg foo young.

A variety of vegetables can be included in chicken egg foo young. Bean spouts, cabbages, carrots, and onions are all common vegetable choices. Scallions, peas, bell peppers, or celery may be added as well, and mushrooms are also a common addition. Anywhere from two to six different vegetables may be added depending on the version. Soy sauce and rice wine or dry sherry are also sometimes included in the egg mixture.

Eggs help hold all the ingredients in egg foo young together.
Eggs help hold all the ingredients in egg foo young together.

Although the chicken is normally browned before being added to the main dish to ensure thorough cooking, the vegetables may be stir-fried in peanut or canola oil before the eggs are cooked or left raw and then cooked with the eggs. Eggs are beaten and seasoned with salt and pepper before being fried. Some versions pour the whole egg mixture into a pan to cook, much like an omelette, and some pour the mixture gradually, letting each thin layer cook before adding another. The other ingredients are stirred into the mix after the eggs are added to the pan.

Chicken broth is often used to make gravy for chicken egg foo young.
Chicken broth is often used to make gravy for chicken egg foo young.

Chicken egg foo young is often served with a sauce or a gravy. Oyster sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth or bullion cubes dissolved in water are usually combined with salt and pepper and heated. Cornstarch diluted with water is added to thicken the gravy, and then the sauce can be served with or over the dish.

Lighter versions of chicken egg foo young use egg whites rather than whole eggs. They also may cook the dish in a pan coated in cooking spray instead of oil. Water chestnuts may be added to these versions as well. In addition to chicken, egg foo young can be made with beef, pork, or shrimp. Vegetable versions are also available.

Discussion Comments

Wisedly33

Chicken egg foo young is probably the easiest to make at home. It's really good with leftover rotisserie chicken, or even leftover fried chicken! I've used both. I'd say the other must-use ingredients, as far as veggies are concerned, are scallions and mushrooms. Both are necessary for good flavor, in my opinion.

I prefer a brown gravy. Actually the brown powdered gravy mix you get in the store is the best. Just add soy sauce and maybe a dash of five spice powder, and it's good to go.

Scrbblchick

I love egg foo young of any flavor! For me, the gravy is what makes it. The gravy has to be flavorful. One local Chinese restaurant has a brown gravy and another has a yellow gravy. I'm not sure which I prefer.

I really don't even need rice when I'm eating egg foo young. As long as I have some good hot tea, rice isn't necessary. It's nice to have, but not a requirement.

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    • Shiitake mushrooms are a common addition to chicken egg foo young.
      By: Chris leachman
      Shiitake mushrooms are a common addition to chicken egg foo young.
    • Eggs help hold all the ingredients in egg foo young together.
      By: CrackerClips
      Eggs help hold all the ingredients in egg foo young together.
    • Chicken broth is often used to make gravy for chicken egg foo young.
      By: fkruger
      Chicken broth is often used to make gravy for chicken egg foo young.
    • Chicken breasts are a good source of lean protein.
      By: Christian Jung
      Chicken breasts are a good source of lean protein.
    • Canola oil can tolerate high heats, making it a good choice for stir-fry cooking.
      By: branex
      Canola oil can tolerate high heats, making it a good choice for stir-fry cooking.