Beef Chop Suey is a popular and delicious dish with a rich history, deeply rooted in Chinese-American cuisine. It’s a perfect blend of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce that can be enjoyed with steamed rice or noodles. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, Beef Chop Suey is a great option that is easy to prepare, healthy, and full of flavor.
In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making Beef Chop Suey. You will learn about the ingredients, the preparation method, and some tips to make the dish even tastier. The recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet flavorful enough to satisfy even the most seasoned cooks.
What is Beef Chop Suey?
Chop Suey is a stir-fried dish that originated in the United States, though it draws inspiration from traditional Chinese cuisine. The dish is typically made with a combination of meat (like beef, chicken, or pork), vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. “Chop Suey” itself is derived from Cantonese, meaning “assorted pieces.” It’s a flexible dish that can be adapted to suit personal tastes.
Beef Chop Suey, specifically, features thin slices of beef cooked with a mix of vegetables, including bell peppers, carrots, and celery, in a savory sauce. It’s a healthy, colorful dish that combines proteins and vegetables in a perfect harmony.
Ingredients for Beef Chop Suey
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make Beef Chop Suey:
For the Beef:
Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak – Choose tender cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak. They cook quickly and remain tender.
Soy Sauce – Adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish.
Oyster Sauce – Gives the dish a rich, slightly sweet taste.
Cornstarch – Helps to tenderize the beef and gives it a nice glossy finish.
Sesame Oil – For marinating the beef and adding an aromatic flavor.
For the Vegetables:
Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, or Green) – These add a burst of color and a mild sweetness.
Carrots – Sliced thinly for a slight crunch and sweetness.
Celery – Adds a nice crunch and mild flavor.
Onions – White or yellow onions work best for stir-fries.
Snow Peas – These are optional but add a nice crunch and freshness.
Mushrooms – Optional, but they add an earthy flavor and texture.
For the Sauce:
Chicken Broth – This forms the base of the sauce.
Soy Sauce – Adds depth of flavor.
Oyster Sauce – Balances out the salty and sweet flavors.
Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce.
Sugar – Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness of the vegetables.
Rice Vinegar – Adds a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
Additional Ingredients:
Ginger and Garlic – These are essential for the aromatic base of the sauce.
Vegetable Oil – For stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
Green Onions (for garnish) – Adds a fresh touch to the dish.
Preparing the Beef
To get started, prepare your beef. Begin by slicing it thinly against the grain. Thin slices ensure the beef cooks quickly and remains tender. If you’re having difficulty slicing, you can freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes to make the process easier.
Marinate the Beef
In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Add the sliced beef to the bowl and mix it well, ensuring that every piece is coated with the marinade. Let the beef marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the beef is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Wash and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Here’s a guide on how to chop the vegetables:
- Bell Peppers – Remove the seeds and slice them into strips.
- Carrots – Peel and slice them into thin rounds or julienne them for extra crunch.
- Celery – Slice it into thin pieces.
- Onions – Peel and slice them thinly.
- Snow Peas – Trim the ends and leave them whole.
- Mushrooms – Clean and slice them thinly.
Prepare your ingredients ahead of time to make the stir-frying process easier.
Cooking Beef Chop Suey
Now, let’s move on to the cooking process. This is where the magic happens, and the dish comes together.
Step 1: Stir-Frying the Beef
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, until it is browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough.
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the wok and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through; it will cook further when mixed with the vegetables and sauce.
Step 2: Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same wok, add a bit more oil if necessary. Start by stir-frying the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, add the onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender but still slightly crisp.
Next, add the celery, mushrooms, and snow peas (if using). Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should remain vibrant and slightly crunchy, as we want to preserve their texture.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
Mix everything until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth.
Step 4: Combining Everything
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, and toss everything together to coat evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce, sugar, or vinegar to balance the flavors.
Step 5: Serving
Once the Beef Chop Suey is ready, serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
Tips for Perfect Beef Chop Suey
Here are some tips to make sure your Beef Chop Suey turns out perfect every time:
Choose the Right Cut of Beef – For the best texture, use tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Avoid tougher cuts, as they can become chewy when stir-fried.
Slice the Beef Thinly – This ensures it cooks quickly and remains tender.
Don’t Overcrowd the Wok – When stir-frying, make sure to cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming the beef and vegetables instead of stir-frying them.
Cook the Vegetables Until Crisp-Tender – The key to great stir-fry is to cook the vegetables until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. This preserves their flavor and texture.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste – If you like your dish sweeter, add more sugar; for more acidity, add more vinegar. Customize the sauce to suit your preferences.
Variations of Beef Chop Suey
Beef Chop Suey is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Here are a few variations:
Add More Vegetables – You can include other vegetables like baby corn, broccoli, or zucchini to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Spicy Beef Chop Suey – If you like spice, add some sliced chili peppers or chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick.
Beef and Tofu Chop Suey – For a vegetarian option, substitute some of the beef with tofu. Tofu adds a great texture and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Conclusion
Beef Chop Suey is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals. With its tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow and customizable to your taste. Enjoy your delicious homemade Beef Chop Suey!
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