Chop Suey Recipe

Ah, Chop Suey—a dish that’s a little bit of everything and all things delicious. It’s one of those meals that’s incredibly comforting, bursting with vibrant veggies, tender meat (or tofu!), and a savory sauce that ties it all together. This recipe is a true celebration of flavor and texture, and it’s as easy as it is satisfying. If you’re looking for something quick, hearty, and full of personality, then this is your new best friend. So, grab your wok or skillet, and let’s get cooking. Trust me, you’re going to love this!

Why You’ll Love Chop Suey

This recipe is a game-changer, and here’s why it’ll be your new go-to:

• Versatile: Whether you’re looking to serve it on a weeknight or wow guests at a party, Chop Suey fits the bill. You can make it as casual or as impressive as you want!
• Budget-Friendly: This dish is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic spices or hard-to-find items—just a handful of pantry staples that create an unforgettable meal.
• Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Make it your own! Use chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu as your protein. Swap out veggies depending on what you have on hand or what you love most.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to picky eaters or a table full of foodies, Chop Suey always hits the mark. It’s a flavor-packed dish that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this chop suey, and let me tell you, the combination of flavors and textures will knock your socks off!

Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, or Tofu: Choose your protein! If you’re feeling adventurous, go for shrimp for a seafood twist, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Chicken and beef are classics, giving you a tender bite that absorbs all the sauce beautifully.

Bell Peppers: These vibrant veggies bring color and crunch to your chop suey. Plus, their slight sweetness balances out the savory flavors perfectly.

Onions: A little bit of onion brings in a mild, savory sweetness that melds wonderfully with the rest of the dish. It’s one of those ingredients that makes everything better.

Carrots: These add a pop of color and a nice bit of texture. Sliced thinly, they soften beautifully while maintaining a slight crunch.

Bean Sprouts: A traditional ingredient in chop suey, bean sprouts add that delicate crunch and lightness, making every bite refreshing.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish an aromatic, savory base that brings the flavors to life. You can’t go wrong with garlic—it makes everything better.

Soy Sauce: The heart of the sauce! Soy sauce brings a deep, salty umami flavor that coats the veggies and protein, creating that irresistible savory bite.

Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds richness and depth to the dish, giving it that extra layer of savory goodness that you just can’t get from soy sauce alone.

Cornstarch: This is key for thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy finish. You’ll love how it transforms the sauce into something silky and smooth.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps that will turn these simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish:

1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your veggies and protein. Thinly slice the chicken, beef, or tofu and chop the peppers, onions, and carrots. This will help everything cook evenly and quickly.

2. Cook Your Protein
In a large pan or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add your protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and browned. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in your garlic, onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still have some crunch.

4. Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of water. Pour this sauce into the pan with your veggies, stirring to coat everything in that glorious liquid. Bring it to a simmer.

5. Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water in a separate bowl, and pour it into the pan. Stir well, and watch the sauce thicken up into that glossy, smooth finish.

6. Add Bean Sprouts and Protein
Add the bean sprouts and your cooked protein back into the pan. Stir to combine, making sure everything is well-coated in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chop suey hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with a sprinkle of green onions or fresh cilantro, and you’re ready to dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Chop Suey

Chop Suey is one of those dishes that’s super versatile when it comes to sides. Here are a few suggestions to round out your meal:

• Steamed Rice: The most classic option! Serve your chop suey over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. It’s the perfect canvas to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Noodles: If you’re in the mood for noodles, this dish also pairs beautifully with stir-fried or steamed noodles. You can use any type you like, from ramen to rice noodles.
• Crusty Bread: Want to scoop up the sauce with something other than rice? Serve it with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls.
• Side Salad: A light, crunchy salad with a vinaigrette dressing will add a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of the chop suey.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are excellent companions to this dish, adding extra nutrients and color.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to make your chop suey even better:

• Prep Ahead: Chop all your veggies and protein in advance, so when it’s time to cook, everything is ready to go. This speeds up the process and makes it even easier to get dinner on the table.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. It’ll give your chop suey an extra kick.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re going gluten-free, simply swap soy sauce with tamari, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Double the Recipe: This dish makes great leftovers! Double the batch and store the extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Chop Suey freezes really well. Just let it cool down, and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu—whatever you have on hand or prefer. It’ll be delicious no matter what.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can cook everything ahead of time, then reheat it in a pan or microwave. Just be mindful that the veggies might lose a bit of their crispness after being stored.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover chop suey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, chop suey freezes beautifully. Just let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat chop suey?
A5: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a pan on the stovetop. You may need to add a bit of water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Of course! Feel free to add in any vegetables you love—snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy would all make excellent additions.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: If you like heat, add a few chili flakes, a sliced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust to your heat tolerance!

Q8: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
A8: Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Q9: What can I serve this with instead of rice?
A9: If you’re not in the mood for rice, try serving chop suey with steamed or stir-fried noodles. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Q10: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A10: Yes! Simply replace the meat with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. It’s just as delicious!

Conclusion

Chop Suey is one of those classic dishes that never gets old. It’s packed with flavors, full of texture, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you make it with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, it’s a quick, budget-friendly meal that everyone will love. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and make this flavorful, satisfying dish tonight!

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