Shrimp Egg Foo Young – This popular dish, with its origins in traditional Chinese omelets, is packed with fresh shrimp, crispy vegetables, and smothered in a savory brown gravy that brings it all together.
What is Shrimp Egg Foo Young?
Egg Foo Young is a Chinese-American dish resembling a fluffy omelet or pancake, made by whisking eggs with vegetables, proteins (like shrimp, chicken, or pork), and seasonings, then frying them until golden brown. It’s commonly served with a savory brown gravy that complements the flavors of the crispy egg patty and the fillings inside. Shrimp Egg Foo Young adds a seafood twist to this dish, featuring succulent shrimp alongside traditional vegetables like onions, bean sprouts, and sometimes mushrooms or carrots.
Ingredients for Shrimp Egg Foo Young
To make Egg Foo Young at home, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning
Shrimp: Fresh, small to medium-sized shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
Eggs: The foundation of the dish, giving it structure and fluffiness
Vegetables: Traditional vegetables include green onions, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and sometimes bell peppers
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics enhance the flavor
Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth
Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nuttiness
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy and make it silky
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the brown gravy
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Egg Foo Young
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and vegetables make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Drain Excess Moisture: Wet vegetables or shrimp can make the mixture soggy, so pat them dry before mixing.
- Adjust Texture: If you prefer a fluffier texture, beat the eggs until slightly frothy before combining them with other ingredients.
- Cook Over Medium Heat: High heat can cause the eggs to brown too quickly, so medium heat is best for even cooking.
Variations of Shrimp Egg Foo Young
One of the best things about Egg Foo Young is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to change up this classic:
Seafood Combo: Add small amounts of crab or scallops along with shrimp for a seafood lover’s twist.
Vegetarian Egg Foo Young: Skip the shrimp and add tofu or extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach.
Chicken or Pork: Swap shrimp for shredded chicken or minced pork to suit different tastes.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of Sriracha or chili flakes to the egg mixture for a spicier version.
How to Serve Shrimp Egg Foo Young
Shrimp Egg Foo Young is typically served with steamed rice, allowing the savory brown gravy to soak in and create a satisfying, hearty meal. For a complete takeout-style experience, pair it with stir-fried vegetables, a bowl of hot and sour soup, or even lo mein.
Garnishing Tips
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of cilantro or chives can add a touch of freshness.
- Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasted sesame seeds offer a pleasant crunch.
- Chili Oil or Hot Sauce: For those who love spice, a drizzle of chili oil takes it to another level.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Egg Foo Young
Egg Foo Young can be stored and enjoyed later, making it ideal for meal prepping or next-day leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it for best results:
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the patties in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze Egg Foo Young, the texture may change upon reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make Shrimp Egg Foo Young Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients, whisk the egg mixture, and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. However, it’s best to cook the patties fresh for optimal texture.
What Other Sauces Can I Use Instead of Brown Gravy?
While the brown gravy is traditional, you can try other sauces like a sweet and sour sauce, garlic sauce, or even a teriyaki glaze. These will add different flavor dimensions to the dish.
Is Shrimp Egg Foo Young Gluten-Free?
To make Egg Foo Young gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that any other ingredients, like chicken broth, are also gluten-free.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?
Yes, if you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can work, but fresh shrimp usually offers the best flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as pre-cooked shrimp need only brief reheating.
Shrimp Egg Foo Young
Shrimp Egg Foo Young - This popular dish, with its origins in traditional Chinese omelets, is packed with fresh shrimp, crispy vegetables, and smothered in a savory brown gravy that brings it all together.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- Shrimp (10 oz, peeled, deveined, chopped)
- Neutral oil for frying (4-6 cups, like canola or peanut oil)
- Cornstarch (1 ½ tsp, divided)
- Sugar (¼ tsp), Salt (⅛ tsp)
- Bean sprouts (2 cups)
- Sesame oil (¼ tsp)
- Diced onion (1 medium)
- Eggs (6 large)
- Chopped scallion (1)
For the Gravy
- Flour (2 tbsp)
- Neutral oil (2 tbsp)
- Turmeric (½ tsp), Paprika (½ tsp)
- Minced garlic (1 clove) and shallot or red onion (1 tsp)
- Chicken stock (3 ¼ cups, divided)
- Soy sauce (light, 2 tsp; dark, ½ tsp), Oyster sauce (2 tbsp)
- White pepper (¼ tsp), Sesame oil (½ tsp)
- Cornstarch (3 tbsp)
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp with ⅛ tsp salt, ¼ tsp sugar, and ½ tsp cornstarch. Set aside to “velvet,” which keeps them tender and flavorful.
- In a pot, heat oil over medium, whisking in flour, turmeric, and paprika to form a roux. Add garlic and onion, whisk for 30 seconds, then pour in most of the chicken stock.
- Stir in soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry until the gravy can coat a spoon, and adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm.
- Heat frying oil to 335-350°F. Mix shrimp, onion, bean sprouts, eggs, sesame oil, scallion, and the remaining cornstarch in a bowl right before frying. Keep the eggs just beaten to avoid a watery batter.
- Ladle about ¾ cup batter into the hot oil, letting each patty float and fry until golden, 2-3 minutes per side. Flip once using a spatula, then drain on a rack to keep them crisp.
- Plate each patty individually, drizzle with gravy, and serve with rice. For extra flavor, keep additional gravy on the side.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 342Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 51mgSodium 611mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 9g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Wrapping Up
Shrimp Egg Foo Young is a savory, satisfying dish that’s easy to customize and packed with flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a takeout alternative or introduce it into your weekly meal rotation, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. By following these tips, tricks, and variations, you can easily adapt Shrimp Egg Foo Young to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
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