5 Authentic Chop Suey Recipes to Try at Home

Chop suey is a beloved dish often associated with Chinese cuisine, although its roots and the authenticity of its recipes can be debated. This delightful mix of vegetables, meat, and sometimes noodles or rice offers a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity. Here, we present five authentic chop suey recipes that you can try at home, ensuring a blend of flavors that cater to various palates and dietary preferences.

Classic American Chop Suey

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 28 oz canned tomatoes
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
3. Mix in the bell pepper and continue cooking for a few minutes.
4. Pour in the canned tomatoes, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat mixture, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

🍲 Note: This version of chop suey is a fusion dish, particularly popular in the Northeastern United States, known for its hearty and filling qualities.

Cantonese Style Vegetable Chop Suey

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 1 cup chopped bok choy
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small broccoli, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional: cooked shrimp or chicken

Instructions:

1. Heat the peanut oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
2. Add all vegetables except bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. Add bean sprouts, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and if using, the meat or shrimp. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, toss well, and serve immediately.

Filipino Chop Suey

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup pork or chicken, thinly sliced
• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
• ¹⁄₂ cup carrots, sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup snap peas
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup shrimp
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat oil and sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
2. Add the meat or chicken and cook until no longer pink.
3. Add cauliflower, carrots, and snap peas, cooking for 5 minutes.
4. Add bell pepper, shrimp, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until the shrimp are cooked.
5. Serve with steamed white rice.

Chinese-American Chop Suey

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 1 cup bamboo shoots
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup diced chicken or pork
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Optional: shrimp, tofu

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or frying pan. Stir-fry mushrooms, celery, onions, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add meat and cook until done.
3. Add soy sauce and the cornstarch mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens.
4. If desired, add shrimp or tofu, cook for an additional minute, and serve hot.

Seafood Lovers’ Chop Suey

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ pound each of shrimp, scallops, and squid
• 1 cup chopped bok choy
• 1 cup baby corn
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sear the seafood until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add vegetables, cook until slightly tender.
3. Add white wine, scraping the pan to lift flavors. Return the seafood to the pan.
4. Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture; stir into the pan. Cook until thickened.
5. Finish with sesame oil, toss well, and serve hot.

These recipes showcase the versatility of chop suey, adapting to various tastes and ingredient availability. Each brings a unique touch to the table, from the hearty American version to the light, seafood-focused dish. Experimenting with these recipes at home not only allows you to taste different cultural interpretations of chop suey but also to personalize the dish to your liking. Whether you prefer it with meat, seafood, or purely vegetarian, chop suey remains a testament to the adaptability and enduring appeal of this dish.

What makes chop suey authentic?

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Authenticity in chop suey can vary significantly. Traditional Chinese chop suey often focuses on the variety of vegetables stir-fried with minimal sauce, while the American version might include a thicker sauce and meat. The key to authenticity is respecting the balance of flavors and textures as they are commonly recognized within different culinary traditions.

Can chop suey be made vegetarian?

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Yes, chop suey is easily adaptable to vegetarian diets. Simply omit the meat and increase the quantity of vegetables or add tofu for protein. Many of the recipes above can be modified by substituting vegetables for meat to make a vegetarian version.

How do I store leftover chop suey?

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Store leftover chop suey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen, although the texture of the vegetables might change slightly upon reheating. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What are some good side dishes to serve with chop suey?

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Chop suey can be served with steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or even fried rice to enhance the meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side salad or egg drop soup to complement the rich flavors of the chop suey.

Is chop suey a healthy dish?

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Chop suey can be quite healthy, especially if prepared with plenty of fresh vegetables and lean proteins. It’s low in saturated fat if you avoid heavy sauces, and it can provide a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Adjustments like using less oil or opting for vegetable-based broths instead of heavy sauces can make it even healthier.