Savory Chinese Chop Suey Recipe for Your Next Dinner
Are you in the mood for something deliciously different tonight? Then I have got just the thing for you: my Chinese chop suey recipe! This dish is a Chinese-American classic that has been enjoyed for generations, and it’s easy to see why. With its unique blend of vegetables and spices, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to leave you feeling happy and full.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting dishes to add to my repertoire, and this Chinese chop suey recipe quickly became one of my favorites. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also simple to make, with ingredients that are available at most grocery stores.
I first fell in love with chop suey when I was living in San Francisco, where there are many incredible Chinese restaurants. Since then, I’ve experimented with different recipes and ingredients to create my own twist on this classic dish.
Whether you’re in the mood for chicken, pork, or beef, this recipe can be customized to suit your preferences. Plus, with the addition of bean sprouts and other fresh vegetables, it’s a healthy option that you can feel good about feeding your family.
So why not try making my Chinese chop suey recipe tonight? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Chinese-inspired dish that will impress your guests? Look no further than this “Chinese” chop suey recipe!
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the bold and savory flavors of Asian cuisine. It combines tender chunks of chicken or pork with fresh vegetables like onions, celery, and bean sprouts, all stir-fried to perfection in a delicious sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, wine, and sesame oil.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – you can use whatever protein you prefer (chicken, pork, beef, or even shrimp) and swap out or add any vegetables that suit your taste. You can also adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili flakes or hot sauce.
Plus, not only is this recipe incredibly tasty, but it’s also quick and easy to make. The eggs are cooked quickly with the vegetables and meat so you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
Whether you’re an American Chop Suey fan looking to try out a different version of this classic dish or someone who wants to explore authentic Chinese flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t wait any longer – give it a try today!
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make Chinese-inspired chop suey. Don’t be intimidated by the long list; most of them are affordable and easy to find in your local grocery store.
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp bouillon
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp wine sesame oil
For The Stir Fry:
- 1/2 lb ground pork beef, or chicken
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized onion, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 2 eggs, cooked quickly and scrambled
- 6 cups vegetables (a combination of any of the following: carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, snow peas)
Optional:
– Extra vegetables such as bok choy and bamboo shoots
– Water chestnuts
– Chow mein noodles
Make sure all ingredients are chopped and prepared ahead of time so that the stir-fry process goes smoothly.
The Recipe How-To
Now, as we move on to the most awaited section of this Chinese chop suey recipe, let me guide you through the step-by-step process so you can prepare this delicious dish and impress your guests.
Ingredients
To make Chinese chop suey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 lb chicken breast or pork loin, sliced or diced
- ½ lb bean sprouts
- 1 cup beef broth or bouillon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice to serve
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over high heat. When hot enough, add garlic and fry for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add onion and celery then stir fry for another minute until they become slightly tender.
- Add chicken or pork and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add bean sprouts to the wok.
- Mix beef broth (or bouillon ), cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl then add it to the wok.
- Stir ingredients continuously until they’re well combined and sauce is thickened. This should take about 5 minutes.
Serve with cooked rice with some chop suey sauce poured generously over it.
Pro Tip: Although cooked rice is often paired with Chinese dishes like chop suey, if you feel like experimenting with other kinds of grain, go ahead! The key is to have fun and enjoy coming up with meal ideas that are uniquely yours.
Enjoy your soothing bowl of Chinese-style delight!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several easy ways to customize this Chinese chop suey recipe to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Veggie Lovers: If you don’t eat meat, simply leave it out and add more vegetables! You can add any veggies you like such as bell peppers, sugar snap peas, snow peas or mushrooms. For a bit of crunch and extra flavor, try adding water chestnuts or bamboo shoots.
– Chicken Chop Suey: Swap out the pork or beef for chicken breast or thighs. Simply slice them up into small pieces before cooking.
– Shrimp Chop Suey: Looking for something a bit more seafood-focused? Switch out the pork or beef with shrimp of your choice.
– Tofu Chop Suey: Want to try a vegetarian spin on this dish? Use tofu written piece-tofu instead of meat, and allow it cook within the dish.
– Sauce Change-up: While the main ingredients that make up the sauce for this chop suey recipe include soy sauce and bouillon, you may use oyster sauce or fish sauce as an alternative ingredient for the side sauce that accompanies the dish. Additionally, consider utilizing vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
With all these easy substitutions and adjustments, let your palate guide you in making your ideal American-style Chinese chop suey!
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about Chinese chop suey is how versatile it is when it comes to serving and pairing. This dish can be served on its own as a main course or as a side dish to compliment other entrees such as grilled chicken or fish.
To add some crunch to this Chinese-American classic, serve it with some crispy vegetable spring rolls or fried wontons. The slightly sweet and sour flavors of sweet and sour sauce pair perfectly with chop suey. You can also pair it with some boiled rice for a filling and hearty meal.
If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to cleanse your palate, try pairing your chop suey with green tea, iced tea or a light lager like Tsingtao. These drinks not only complement the flavors of the dish but are also refreshing on a warm summer day.
For those who prefer an authentic Chinese experience, serve chop suey with steamed bao buns, Chinese dumplings, or hot and sour soup. The flavorful mix of ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth and pork makes it easy to pair chop suey with any other dish of your choice.
However you choose to serve your chop suey, the result will always be deliciously satisfying. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Chinese chop suey, it’s always a smart move to make a larger batch, especially if you’re looking to entertain guests or have leftovers. Fortunately, this dish is an excellent option for meal prep and reheating later on.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool to room temperature, and then store in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish will stay fresh for up to four days. When it’s time to reheat, use a microwave or gently warm on the stove-top. If the mixture looks somewhat dry or has lost its flavor, add a dash of soy sauce or beef broth when reheating.
Another option would be to freeze the dish after cooking. Freeze the cooled mixture in an airtight container and store for up to three months. Before reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, and then proceed with standard reheating procedures.
A quick stir-fry like this one also makes for an excellent meal prep option; cut all vegetables ahead of time and store them together in a ziplock bag. Marinate your protein of choice and have everything ready to go when you’re short on weeknight cooking time.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or planning to wow your guests at your next party, this recipe is both freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly. With just a little bit of planning, you’ll be enjoying delicious Chop Suey quickly whenever hunger strikes!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making this Chinese chop suey recipe, there are a few tips that can help you achieve perfect results every time. From choosing the right ingredients to preparing them correctly, here are some tips to keep in mind.
– Use high-quality ingredients: In Chinese cooking, the quality of your ingredients matters. You should aim to choose fresh meats, vegetables, and seasonings for the best flavor. Avoid using processed or low-quality ingredients in order to make the dish taste its best.
– Cut ingredients evenly: One key to stir-frying is cutting all ingredients into equal-sized pieces so they cook at an even rate. It’s especially important with chop suey where there are many different components to cook. Cutting the meat, vegetables and other ingredients into uniform pieces ensures that everything cooks evenly.
– Don’t overcook the vegetables: Vegetables should be cooked quickly over high heat to preserve their texture and color. Keep the vegetables crisp-tender which gives the finished dish a vibrant look and ensures it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. Remember that bean sprouts can overcook very quickly – just 30 seconds in a hot skillet is enough!
– Cooking temperature: When making a stir-fry dish like chop suey, it’s important to have your pan or wok smoking hot. Cooking at high temperature will ensure your meats stay tender while your veggies stay crispy.
– Seasoning: Since soy sauce and bouillon are often used in this recipe, keep an eye on the saltiness of your dish as you add more seasoning during the cooking process. A good tip is to taste as you go along so you don’t end up with too much sodium in your dish.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Chinese chop suey turns out perfect every time!
FAQ
As you get ready to indulge in the Chinese chop suey recipe, you may have some questions in mind. To help ensure that your meal is a success, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this dish.
What does Chinese chop suey consist of?
When it comes to Chop Suey, it’s a dish that typically features an array of vegetables, meat such as beef, pork, chicken or seafood, a savory egg and a thick sauce. The dish is usually paired with either rice or noodles, but it’s more common to see it served with steaming hot rice.
What is chop suey sauce made of?
The savory and flavorful chop suey sauce consists of a delectable blend of ingredients such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, and water.
How is Chinese chop suey made?
To start off this recipe, heat up a pan with oil until it’s hot and ready for action. Fry up a couple of eggs if you feel like it, as they make a great addition to the final product. Once the eggs are ready, set them aside to drain while you focus on the meaty part of the dish. In the same pan you used for frying the eggs, saute some garlic followed by onions until they turn a golden brown color. Toss in some sliced mushrooms, capsicum, and chillies to give it an extra kick of flavor.
What is traditional chop suey?
Chop suey is a popular dish in American Chinese and other types of Chinese cuisine. It typically includes meat such as chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or fish, along with eggs and a variety of vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery. All of these ingredients are quickly cooked together and then served in a sauce thickened with starch.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chinese chop suey recipe is a fantastic option for those who love flavorful, stir-fried dishes. Whether you are a fan of Chinese cuisine or not, this recipe is sure to win your heart with its mouth-watering flavors and aromas. With its mix of vegetables, meats, and delicious sauce, this dish screams “comfort food” and is perfect for mealtimes with family and friends.
So go ahead and try this recipe out – whether you choose to adopt an American-style twist or stick to traditional Chinese cooking methods, the possibilities are endless! You will undoubtedly appreciate how easy it is to customize the ingredients to your liking, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by anyone.
This recipe has been tried and tested and has been found to produce perfectly cooked chop suey that will leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled. So give it a shot – learn to master this classic dish in your own kitchen so that you can impress your guests or even treat yourself on a lazy night in. Trust me; once you taste the goodness of homemade chop suey, you’ll never want to go back to ordering from Chinese restaurants again.
“Chinese” chop suey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch celery (including leafy ends)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef)
- soy sauce
- 4 cups beef broth or 4 cups bouillon
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 6 -10 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown ground meat and onion in a large pot.
- Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
- Thinly slice the entire bunch of celery, including the leaves.
- Add beef broth and celery.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until celery is tender.
- Add more soy sauce if needed, to taste.
- Serve as an open face sandwich over a hamburger bun.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!