A Delicious and Easy Chopsuey Recipe
Chopsuey, a popular Indo-Chinese dish, is renowned for its vibrant mix of vegetables and its savory, slightly sweet flavor profile. This recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to prepare this culinary delight at home. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering, this chopsuey recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust the quantities as needed depending on your serving size.
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup chopped cabbage (approx. 1/4 medium head)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (approx. 1 large carrot)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color, about 1 large pepper)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1/2 cup chopped cauliflower florets
- 1 cup snow peas (optional, for added texture and color)
- Protein (choose one or a combination):
- 1 cup cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup cooked beef, cubed
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tofu, cubed and lightly pan-fried
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Ensure consistent sizes for even cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, white pepper, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This creates a smooth and glossy sauce.
- Stir-fry the Protein (optional): If using protein, stir-fry it lightly in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Set aside.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the remaining vegetables (except snow peas) and stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add Protein and Snow Peas (optional): If using protein, add it back to the wok along with the snow peas (if using). Stir gently to combine and cook for another minute until heated through.
- Serve: Serve your delicious chopsuey hot, over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Chopsuey:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Aim for tender-crisp vegetables to retain their texture and nutrients.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, or rice vinegar to suit your preference. A dash of chili garlic sauce can add a spicy kick.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Make it ahead: Chopsuey can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually improve upon sitting!
This simple recipe allows for plenty of customization, making it a versatile and delicious dish for any occasion. Enjoy!