If you're someone who loves Chinese cuisine, then Pork Egg Foo Yung is a must-try for you. With only 145 calories in a 100g serving, it's a great low-calorie option for those conscious about their weight.
This dish mainly comprises of pork and eggs, making it a good source of protein. It also contains other ingredients like bean sprouts, onions, and celery, which add to its nutritional value. Moreover, it's also a gluten-free dish, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
In this article, we'll delve into the world of Pork Egg Foo Yung and explore its nutritional profile, health benefits, and different variations that you can try at home.
What is Pork Egg Foo Yung?
Pork Egg Foo Yung is a Chinese omelette that is often served as a main course or as a side dish. It's made by whisking eggs with cooked pork meat and vegetables such as onions, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. The mixture is then fried in oil in small portions to form small patties or pancakes. These patties are then served hot with a sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. The origin of this dish is believed to be from Guangdong province in China. However, it's also a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine and has been adapted to suit local tastes.
Ingredients Required to Prepare Pork Egg Foo Yung
To prepare Pork Egg Foo Yung at home, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 150g cooked pork, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
You can also add other vegetables or meats of your choice to make this dish more flavorful.
Nutritional Profile of Pork Egg Foo Yung
Here's a breakdown of Pork Egg Foo Yung's nutritional profile per 100g serving:
- 145 calories
- 9g fat
- 3g saturated fat
- 214mg cholesterol
- 6g carbohydrates
- 1g fiber
- 3g sugar
- 12g protein
- 374mg sodium
Pork Egg Foo Yung is a good source of protein, but it's also high in cholesterol and sodium. If you're someone with dietary restrictions or health concerns, it's best to consume this dish in moderation.
Health Benefits of Pork Egg Foo Yung
Although Pork Egg Foo Yung is a fried dish, it still has some health benefits. Here are a few:
- Good source of protein: The eggs and pork in this dish provide a good amount of protein, which helps in maintaining and repairing muscles and tissues in the body.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Vegetables like bean sprouts, onions, and celery add vitamins and minerals to this dish. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.
- Gluten-free: As this dish doesn't contain any wheat or gluten, it's a good option for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
How to Prepare Pork Egg Foo Yung at Home?
To prepare Pork Egg Foo Yung at home, follow these simple steps:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery and stir fry for a minute.
- Add pork and bean sprouts and stir fry for another 2 minutes.
- Add the egg mixture to the pan and let it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes.
- Using a spatula, flip the omelette and let it cook on the other side for another couple of minutes or until fully cooked.
- Repeat the same process with the remaining egg mixture to make small patties or pancakes.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations of Pork Egg Foo Yung that You Can Try
Here are a few variations of Pork Egg Foo Yung that you can try to switch things up:
- Vegetarian: You can omit the pork and add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Seafood: You can add shrimp, crab meat, or lobster to this dish to give it a seafood twist.
- Spicy: You can add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the egg mixture to give it a spicy kick.
Calories in Pork Egg Foo Yung and its Impact on Weight Loss
Pork Egg Foo Yung is a great low-calorie option for those who are trying to lose weight. A 100g serving of Pork Egg Foo Yung contains only 145 calories, which is much lower compared to other fried dishes like fried rice or chow mein. However, it's important to keep in mind that the total calorie count will increase if you consume it with a lot of dipping sauce or pair it with other high-calorie dishes.
Precautions to Keep in Mind while Consuming Pork Egg Foo Yung
Here are a few precautions you should keep in mind while consuming Pork Egg Foo Yung:
- High in cholesterol: Pork Egg Foo Yung is high in cholesterol, so if you have high cholesterol levels, it's better to consume it in moderation.
- High in sodium: The soy sauce used in this dish is high in sodium, so it's best to consume it in moderation if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.
- Fried: Pork Egg Foo Yung is a fried dish, so it's best to consume it in moderation if you're trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Tips to Enhance the Nutritional Value of Pork Egg Foo Yung
Here are a few tips to enhance the nutritional value of Pork Egg Foo Yung:
- Use lean protein: Instead of using fatty cuts of pork, opt for lean cuts like tenderloin or loin chops to reduce the fat content in the dish.
- Add more veggies: Add more vegetables like spinach or kale to increase the fiber and vitamin content in the dish.
- Bake instead of frying: Instead of frying the omelette, you can also bake it in the oven to reduce the fat content.
FAQs about Pork Egg Foo Yung
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Pork Egg Foo Yung:
- Can I freeze Pork Egg Foo Yung?
- How do I reheat Pork Egg Foo Yung?
- Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork?
Pork Egg Foo Yung, with its eggs and pork and veggies, is like a Chinese version of a Western omelette, but with much more flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Egg Foo Yung
1. What is Pork Egg Foo Yung?
Pork Egg Foo Yung is a Chinese-inspired dish made with a mixture of beaten eggs and chopped pork, along with vegetables such as onions, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. The egg mixture is cooked in a pan similar to an omelette, and often served with a savory gravy or sauce.
2. Is Pork Egg Foo Yung healthy?
Pork Egg Foo Yung can be a relatively healthy dish, depending on the ingredients used and the cooking methods. The dish is typically high in protein and vegetables, which can be beneficial for a balanced diet. However, some recipes may also include high amounts of sodium or oil which can be less healthy options.
3. How many calories are in Pork Egg Foo Yung?
A serving of 100 G Pork Egg Foo Yung contains approximately 145 calories.
4. Is Pork Egg Foo Yung gluten-free?
It depends on the recipe and the ingredients used. Most traditional Pork Egg Foo Yung recipes include soy sauce, which may contain gluten. However, there are many gluten-free soy sauce substitutes available, and some Pork Egg Foo Yung recipes may be specifically designed to be gluten-free.
5. Can Pork Egg Foo Yung be made without pork?
Yes! The beauty of Pork Egg Foo Yung is that it is a customizable dish that can be made with different proteins or vegetables depending on preference. Tofu, chicken, shrimp, or even just vegetables can be substituted for pork, depending on one's dietary needs.