Homemade Chinese Chop Suey is a classic stir-fry dish that’s beloved for its colorful mix of vegetables, tender meat, and savory sauce. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, Chop Suey is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients and enjoyed with rice or noodles. This homemade version is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s explore how to make this delicious Chinese Chop Suey step by step.
Why This Homemade Chinese Chop Suey Recipe is Perfect for You
This homemade Chinese Chop Suey recipe is perfect for anyone who loves flavorful and healthy stir-fry dishes. Made with fresh vegetables, tender meat, and a savory sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, Chinese Chop Suey is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients for Homemade Chinese Chop Suey
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced red chili peppers
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Directions
Preparing the Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
Cooking the Stir-Fry:
- Prep the Ingredients: Thinly slice the chicken or beef and prepare all the vegetables as directed.
- Heat the Wok: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the wok and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat: Add the sliced chicken or beef to the wok and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper, julienned carrots, broccoli florets, snap peas, and sliced mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything: Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fry and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
Serving the Chinese Chop Suey:
- Serve Hot: Serve the Chinese Chop Suey immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced red chili peppers if desired. Enjoy your homemade Chinese Chop Suey!
Tips and Variations
- Protein Options: Feel free to use your choice of protein, such as shrimp, tofu, or pork, instead of chicken or beef.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Bok choy, cabbage, baby corn, and water chestnuts are all great additions to Chop Suey.
- Spice it Up: Add a touch of heat with sliced red chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage and Leftovers
Chinese Chop Suey is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Chinese Chop Suey pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or your favorite noodles. For a complete meal, serve with a side of egg rolls, potstickers, or spring rolls. To drink, enjoy with a cold glass of green tea or a crisp lager beer.
FAQ
Can I make Chinese Chop Suey ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy nights. Keep the ingredients refrigerated until ready to cook.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Feel free to customize the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sweet chili sauce can all be used as alternatives to the soy sauce-based sauce in this recipe.
Can I make Chinese Chop Suey without meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Chinese Chop Suey by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables or tofu.
Can I freeze Chinese Chop Suey?
While you can freeze Chinese Chop Suey, the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, undercook the vegetables slightly to maintain their texture when reheated.
Call to Action
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this flavorful homemade Chinese Chop Suey as much as I do. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this versatile stir-fry is sure to be a hit. If you love this recipe, please share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to