Easy Chop Suey Recipe: A Delicious and Customizable Dish
This easy chop suey recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's packed with flavor, customizable to your preferences, and surprisingly quick to make! Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's dive in!
What is Chop Suey?
Chop suey is a classic American-Chinese dish, known for its versatility and delicious combination of vegetables and protein. While the exact origins are debated, it's a beloved staple in many households. This recipe provides a simple yet flavorful approach, allowing you to easily adjust it to your liking and what's in your fridge!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Protein (choose one or a combination): 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed), 1 lb pork loin (cubed), or 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Vegetables:
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup snow peas (trimmed) Optional
- 1 cup bean sprouts Optional
- Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Other: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste, cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare the Protein: If using chicken or pork, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside. Shrimp cooks quickly and can be added later with the vegetables.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the broccoli and mushrooms and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and chicken broth.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked protein (if used) and snow peas (if using) to the wok. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and protein, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
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Final Touches: Stir in the bean sprouts (if using) and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve your delicious chop suey hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Chop Suey
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like celery, water chestnuts, cabbage, or zucchini.
- Adjust the spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier chop suey.
- Make it ahead: Chop suey tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
Beyond the Basics: Variations on a Theme
- Shrimp Chop Suey: Use shrimp instead of chicken or pork for a lighter, quicker meal.
- Vegetarian Chop Suey: Omit the protein entirely and load up on your favorite vegetables.
- Spicy Chop Suey: Add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a fiery kick.
This easy chop suey recipe is a fantastic starting point for culinary creativity. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect version! Enjoy!