Beef Chop Suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender pieces of beef with a variety of vegetables in a savory, slightly sweet, and slightly tangy sauce. While its origins may be debated, Chop Suey has become a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by many for its delicious flavors and hearty texture. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making Beef Chop Suey at home, ensuring you get a restaurant-quality dish with every bite.
Ingredients Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a detailed list:
Beef:
1 pound of flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 1 celery stalk, sliced into thin strips
- 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (optional, for added umami)
- 1/4 cup of sliced bamboo shoots (optional, for authenticity)
- 1/4 cup of water chestnuts, sliced (optional, for crunch)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper (optional, for a bit of spice)
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
Garlic and Ginger:
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
- Cooking Oil:
- 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or peanut oil
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnishing)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Preparation Steps
Prepare the Beef
Begin by slicing the flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain. This ensures the beef cooks evenly and remains tender.
Place the sliced beef in a bowl and marinate it with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the onion into thin wedges, the carrot into matchsticks, the celery into thin strips, and the bell pepper into thin strips.
If using mushrooms, slice them thinly. If using bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Set the prepared vegetables aside in separate bowls to keep them organized.
Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, and beef broth. This will be your Chop Suey sauce.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.
Cook the Beef
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked to your liking.
- Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for about 1 minute until it becomes translucent.
- Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- If using mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts, add them to the wok and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
- If the sauce is not thick enough, add the cornstarch and water mixture a little at a time, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve
- Taste the Chop Suey and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce, sugar, or vinegar to taste.
- Serve the Beef Chop Suey hot over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Beef Chop Suey
Slicing the Beef: Always slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the beef is tender and cooks quickly.
Marinating the Beef: Marinating the beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper helps to season the meat and keep it moist during cooking.
Stir-Frying: Stir-fry the ingredients over medium-high heat to ensure they cook quickly and retain their crunch and color.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, use the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth or water.
Serving Suggestions: Serve Beef Chop Suey with cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also add other proteins like chicken or tofu if desired.
Conclusion
Making Beef Chop Suey at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to control the ingredients and flavors to your liking. With tender pieces of beef, a colorful array of vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, Beef Chop Suey is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality Beef Chop Suey that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
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