Classic Homemade Chop Suey Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
1 medium-sized bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 medium-sized carrot, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup cooked pork, thinly sliced
1 cup boiled quail eggs
1 cup snow peas
1 cup cabbage, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Steamed rice for serving

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the bell pepper, carrot, and celery to the skillet and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
Add the chopped cooked chicken breast, cooked shrimp, and cooked pork to the skillet and stir well to combine.
Add the boiled quail eggs, snow peas, and cabbage to the skillet and stir well to combine.
Pour the soy sauce and chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Slowly pour the dissolved cornstarch into the skillet, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue to simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender.
Serve the chop suey hot over steamed rice.

Tools for making

Skillet or wok - A large cooking pan with high sides, used for stir-frying the ingredients.
Cutting board - A flat surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and meat.
Knife - A sharp tool for slicing and dicing the ingredients.
Spatula - A utensil for flipping and stirring the ingredients in the skillet or wok.
Whisk - A tool for dissolving the cornstarch in water and mixing the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons - Utensils used to accurately measure the ingredients.
Bowls - Containers for holding the chopped and cooked ingredients.
Tongs - Utensils used for grabbing and turning the food while cooking.
Plates - Used for serving the chop suey.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken, shrimp, and pork, and replace them with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
Beef Variation: Substitute the chicken, shrimp, and pork with thinly sliced beef for a beef chop suey.
Seafood Medley: Use a variety of seafood such as scallops, squid, and fish fillets along with the shrimp to create a seafood chop suey.
Mushroom Mix: Add a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms to enhance the flavors and create a mushroom chop suey.
Vegan Twist: Replace the oyster sauce with a vegan substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegan-friendly version of chop suey.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the stir-fry for a spicy variation of chop suey.
Extra Vegetables: Experiment with additional vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts to add more variety and texture to the dish.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the chop suey over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of steamed rice to make it low in carbohydrates.

Recipe overview

This Chop Suey recipe is a delightful medley of mixed vegetables, meat, and shrimp cooked in a thick, savory sauce. Originating from China, but popularized in American-Chinese cuisine, Chop Suey literally means "assorted pieces" which perfectly describes this colorful and versatile dish. You can enjoy it with staple rice or even noodles. This recipe guides you through the steps to prepare your own Chop Suey at home, using ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. You can expect a vibrant, flavorful, and wholesome dish that can be served as the main course for your dinner or lunch. The key to a perfect chop suey is in the stir-frying process and the balance of flavors, both of which are covered in our simple, step-by-step instructions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to yield delicious results. Enjoy the process and the meal!

Common questions

Can I use different vegetables? Yes, you can customize the vegetables used in this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Can I substitute the meat with tofu or other protein? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken, shrimp, and pork with tofu, tempeh, or any other protein of your choice.
Is it necessary to use all the meats mentioned? No, you can use any combination of meats or even stick to just one type if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, make sure to use a vegetarian/vegan alternative for the soy sauce.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables? The cooking time for the vegetables may vary, but generally, it takes about 5-10 minutes for the vegetables to become tender.
Can I adjust the seasoning? Yes, feel free to adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce, salt, or pepper according to your taste preferences.
Can I serve chop suey with something other than steamed rice? While steamed rice is the traditional accompaniment, you can also serve chop suey with noodles or even as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups.
Can I make this recipe in advance? It is best to enjoy chop suey immediately after cooking, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry them when you are ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet or Wok - A large skillet or wok is needed for stir frying the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for mincing garlic, chopping vegetables, and slicing cooked meat.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely chopping and slicing ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula or stir-fry spatula is useful for flipping and stirring the ingredients in the skillet or wok.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are needed for accurately measuring ingredients such as soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
Whisk - A whisk is helpful for dissolving cornstarch in water and ensuring a smooth consistency.
Serving Bowls - Bowls are required for serving the chop suey.
Rice Cooker or Pot - A rice cooker or pot is necessary for cooking steamed rice to serve with the chop suey.

Origin stories

Chop suey, a stir-fried dish that has become a staple in American Chinese cuisine, is often served with rice and packed with meat and vegetables. But here's a delightful tidbit: contrary to popular belief, Chop suey isn't actually from China! Its origin story is nestled in the bustling kitchens of San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. The tale goes that one late night, a group of gold miners stormed into a Chinese restaurant demanding food. The cook, surprised and left with nothing more than scraps, decided to stir-fry all the leftover meat and vegetables. He served this hodgepodge to the miners who, to his surprise, thoroughly enjoyed it! They asked what the dish was called, and the cook replied, "Chop suey," which essentially means "assorted pieces." And thus, this culinary creation from leftovers found its place in the annals of food history, a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of cooks in the face of unexpected demands.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.