Chop suey is a classic dish that has become a favorite in many households around the world. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and vibrant flavors make it an excellent choice for any meal. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this easy chop suey recipe will help you create a delicious, hearty dish in no time. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making chop suey, including the ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips.
What is Chop Suey?
Chop suey is a Chinese-American dish that combines a variety of vegetables, proteins, and sometimes noodles in a savory sauce. It is typically stir-fried, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. The name “chop suey” translates to “assorted pieces” in Chinese, which is fitting since the dish is usually made from whatever ingredients are on hand.
Chop suey is a highly adaptable dish, which means you can customize it with different proteins and vegetables depending on what you prefer or have available. While traditionally made with chicken, beef, or pork, it can easily be made vegetarian or even vegan.
Ingredients You Need
Before you start, gather all the ingredients you will need. Here is a basic list of what you will need to make chop suey:
Vegetables
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1 cup of cabbage – finely shredded. Cabbage adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.
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1 cup of bell peppers – thinly sliced. Choose any color you like.
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1 cup of carrots – julienned or sliced thinly.
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1/2 cup of celery – thinly sliced.
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1/2 cup of onions – sliced.
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1/2 cup of mushrooms – sliced. Mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor to the dish.
Proteins (Optional)
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Chicken – You can use 1 chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced.
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Beef – Thinly slice 1/2 pound of flank steak or sirloin. This gives a rich flavor.
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Pork – 1/2 pound of pork tenderloin, thinly sliced.
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Tofu – For a vegetarian or vegan option, use firm tofu. It’s a great protein alternative.
Sauce Ingredients
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2 tablespoons soy sauce – This adds the saltiness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds a slight sweetness and richness to the sauce.
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar – For a hint of acidity to balance the flavors.
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1 tablespoon sugar – A small amount of sweetness to round out the dish.
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1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth – This is used to create a base for the sauce.
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1 tablespoon cornstarch – To thicken the sauce.
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1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper – For a subtle heat.
Oil for Cooking
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Vegetable oil or canola oil – Used for stir-frying. This oil can withstand high heat, making it perfect for stir-frying.
Garnishes (Optional)
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Green onions – Chopped, for garnish.
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Sesame seeds – For an added crunch and flavor.
Equipment You Will Need
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A large frying pan or wok – This is important for stir-frying the ingredients quickly and evenly.
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A spatula or wooden spoon – To stir and move the ingredients around while cooking.
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A knife and chopping board – For preparing the vegetables and proteins.
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A small bowl – To mix the sauce ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your chop suey:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the vegetables into thin slices. For the cabbage, you can either shred it finely or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots, celery, and bell peppers into thin strips to ensure they cook evenly. If you’re using protein, slice it into thin strips or cubes.
Once the vegetables and proteins are ready, set them aside in bowls.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Then, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce mixture. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Finally, add the ground white pepper to the sauce and mix everything together. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your choice of protein. If you are using chicken, beef, or pork, cook the meat for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is browned and cooked through. If you are using tofu, cook it for about 3 minutes until it gets a golden-brown crust on all sides.
Once the protein is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the onions and stir-fry for about 1 minute until they become soft and translucent. Next, add the carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the vegetables to stay crisp, so don’t overcook them.
Add the cabbage and mushrooms to the pan and stir everything together. Let the vegetables cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become slightly wilted but still crunchy.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the cooked protein to the pan. Stir everything together to combine. Now, pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients in the pan. Stir well to make sure the sauce evenly coats the vegetables and protein.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will coat everything, making it glossy and flavorful.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened, give everything one final stir. Taste the chop suey and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like more salt, add a little extra soy sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little more sugar.
Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your chop suey hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. It’s best served with steamed rice or noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Tips for the Best Chop Suey
Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your vegetables and proteins, the better your chop suey will taste. Fresh ingredients retain their texture and flavor, making your dish even more delicious.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: To preserve their crispness and vibrant colors, avoid overcooking the vegetables. They should still have some crunch when served.
Customize the dish: Feel free to add other vegetables like bean sprouts, snap peas, or baby corn. You can also try adding different types of protein, such as shrimp or lamb, for a unique twist.
Adjust the sauce: Depending on your personal taste, you can make the sauce sweeter, saltier, or spicier. Add extra sugar for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or chili paste for heat.
Make it gluten-free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free.
Why Chop Suey is a Great Meal Choice
Chop suey is not only easy to make but also a healthy option. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the protein helps build and repair muscle. The dish is also flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences. Plus, it can be made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Conclusion
Making chop suey at home is an easy and rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy. By following the step-by-step guide above, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious chop suey in no time. Whether you prefer it with chicken, beef, tofu, or vegetables, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, homemade meal.
Enjoy your chop suey with family and friends, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and proteins to make the dish your own!
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