How to Make Chop Suey 

Chop suey is a popular Chinese-American dish that has made its way into the hearts and palates of people all over the world. This tasty stir-fry is a perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, tender meat and flavorful sauce. Here we will guide you step by step in the making of this delicious dish. 

Ingredients 

1 pound (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

1 onion, thinly sliced 

2 cloves of garlic, minced 

1 cup cabbage, shredded 

1 carrot, julienned 

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 

1 cup bean sprouts 

¼ cup soy sauce 

2 tablespoons oyster sauce 

1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Cooked rice, for serving 

Instructions 

Step 1 

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside. 

Step 2 

In the same wok, add the onion and garlic. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant and slightly softened. 

Step 3 

Add the cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and bean sprouts to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. 

Step 4 

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the wok and stir to combine. 

Step 5 

Return the cooked chicken to the wok and toss everything together. 

Step 6 

Add the cornstarch mixture to the wok and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Step 7 

Remove the wok from the heat and serve the Chop Suey hot over cooked rice. 

The History of Chop Suey 

The origins of Chop Suey can be traced back to the late 19th century when Chinese immigrants settled in the United States, particularly in California. As these immigrants sought to adapt their traditional cuisine to local tastes, a new dish called Chop Suey emerged, blending Chinese cooking techniques with American ingredients. 

The exact origin of the name “Chop Suey” is shrouded in uncertainty, with several theories circulating. One theory suggests that the name derives from the Cantonese words “tsaap sui,” meaning “mixed bits.” Another theory suggests that it was named after a Chinese diplomat, Li Hongzhang, whose pronunciation of his name sounded similar to “Chop Suey.” 

Initially, Chop Suey was a way for Chinese immigrants to make use of leftovers and create a hearty and economical meal. The dish typically consisted of a stir-fry of various vegetables, meat, and a sauce, served over rice or noodles.  

As Chop Suey gained popularity among both Chinese communities and American diners, it underwent adaptations to suit local tastes and incorporate available ingredients. Today, it has become an iconic dish that represents the fusion of Chinese and American culinary traditions. 

The Nutritional Benefits of Chop Suey 

Chop Suey is not only a tasty dish but also a nutritious one. Packed with an assortment of vegetables and protein, this dish provides a balance of essential nutrients. The combination of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and bell peppers offers a variety of vitamins and minerals.  

These include vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber, which are all vital for maintaining a healthy diet. Adding lean meats such as chicken, beef, or shrimp to the dish boosts its protein content, promoting muscle growth and repair. 

Secret Tips for a Perfect Chop Suey 

Preparation is Key: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop the vegetables into uniform sizes, slice the meat thinly, and prepare the sauce in advance. 

Wok It Up: To achieve that authentic flavor, use a wok for stir-frying. The high heat of the wok allows the ingredients to cook quickly while retaining their crispness. 

The Perfect Sauce: The sauce is the soul of Chop Suey. Experiment with different combinations of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to find your preferred flavor profile. You can also add a touch of ginger or garlic for extra depth. 

Carolina Rice’s Arroz Chaufa The Perfect Accompaniment 

Looking for a delicious side dish to serve with your Chop Suey? Look no further than Carolina Rice’s Arroz Chaufa! Arroz Chaufa is a Peruvian-style fried rice dish that complements Chop Suey beautifully. Made with fluffy Carolina Jasmine Rice, this recipe adds a delightful twist to your meal. 

Carolina Rice’s Arroz Chaufa recipe can be found here: carolinarice.com/recipes/arroz-chaufa/ The recipe features a combination of rice, eggs, soy sauce, and a medley of vegetables and proteins. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients. 

Variations of Chop Suey 

While the classic version of Chop Suey includes meat and vegetables, there are various ways to personalize this dish according to your taste preferences. Here are a few popular variations: 

Vegetarian Chop Suey: Skip the meat and load up on a colorful array of vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, and water chestnuts. Tofu can also be added for a protein boost. 

Seafood Chop Suey: Replace the meat with a selection of seafood like shrimp, scallops, and squid. The seafood can be quickly stir-fried and added to the vegetables, creating a flavorful and ocean-inspired Chop Suey. 

Spicy Chop Suey: For those who enjoy a little heat, spice up your Chop Suey by adding chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. This variation adds an extra kick to the dish, tantalizing your taste buds. 

Mushroom Chop Suey: Mushroom lovers will appreciate this variation, where an assortment of mushrooms such as shiitake, button, and oyster mushrooms take center stage. Their earthy flavors add a delightful depth to the dish. 

Now that you know the basics of making Chop Suey, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature version of this classic Chinese-American dish. Enjoy the flavors and savor the satisfaction of cooking up a delicious meal! 

Don’t forget to try the complete recipe of Arroz Chaufa de Carolina and delight yourself with the delicious flavors of this Peruvian-inspired fried rice dish.