Winter is a season that calls for warm and hearty meals. Chop suey is a dish that originated in Chinese-American cuisine and is an all-round dish that can be made in different ways to satisfy your cravings while keeping you warm.
Chop Suey and its Origin
While its exact origins are unclear, chop suey is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in California in the late 19th century as a way to adapt their cuisine to American tastes. The name "chop suey" comes from the Cantonese words for "odds and ends" or "mixed bits," reflecting the fact that the dish often includes a variety of ingredients. Chop suey became popular in Chinese-American restaurants in the early 20th century and has since become a beloved dish in many parts of the world.
1. Chicken Chop Suey
This dish is a classic and can be made using various vegetables of your choice. It is a perfect blend of savory chicken and crisp vegetables, tossed in a thick sauce. To make chicken chop suey, you will need chicken breast, onions, carrots, celery, bean sprouts, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown, then sauté the vegetables until they are cooked. Mix soy sauce and cornstarch in water and pour the mixture over the vegetables. Add the chicken and cook for a few more minutes.
- Taste: Savory
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 300
2. Vegetable Chop Suey
For a vegetarian option, vegetable chop suey is an excellent choice. It is packed with fresh vegetables that are stir-fried and seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The vegetables used in this recipe include cabbage, bell peppers, bean sprouts, and carrots. The sauce for this dish is made using vegetable broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. The vegetables are cooked until tender, and the sauce is added to thicken the dish.
- Taste: Umami
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 180
3. Beef Chop Suey
Beef chop suey is a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed with steamed rice. It is made using thinly sliced beef, which is stir-fried with onions, carrots, and celery. The sauce for this dish is made using oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Once the beef is cooked, add the vegetables and cook until they are tender. Pour the sauce over the dish and cook for a few more minutes.
- Taste: Savory
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: 380
4. Shrimp Chop Suey
Shrimp chop suey is a delicious seafood option that is quick and easy to make. It is made using shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and bean sprouts. The sauce for this dish is made using soy sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Cook the shrimp until it is pink and remove it from the pan. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, and then add the shrimp back to the pan. Pour the sauce over the dish and cook for a few more minutes.
- Taste: Spicy
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 200
5. Tofu Chop Suey
This dish is perfect for vegetarians. The tofu is cooked until crispy and paired with a variety of vegetables. This dish is also low in calories, making it a healthy option. Ingredients you will require are tofu, sliced onions, sliced bell peppers, sliced celery, sliced carrots, chopped garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable broth, and vegetable oil. Start by cooking the tofu in oil until crispy. Remove the vegetables from the pan and cook the vegetables until tender. Add the tofu back to the pan and pour the sauce on top. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Taste: Light
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: 200
6. Pork Chop Suey
This dish is a classic. The pork is cooked until tender and combined with crispy vegetables. You can serve this dish over rice or noodles. Ingredients you will need are pork tenderloin, sliced onions, sliced bell peppers, sliced celery, sliced carrots, chopped garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, pork broth, and vegetable oil. First, cook the pork in oil until browned. Remove the vegetables from the pan and cook the vegetables until tender. Add the pork back to the pan and pour the sauce on top. Cook until the sauce thickens and the pork is cooked through.
- Taste: Savory
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 370
What to Serve with These Chop Suey Recipes
These chop suey recipes are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Some great options include steamed rice, fried rice, chow mein noodles, or egg rolls. You can also serve the dishes with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas. For a complete Chinese-American feast, you can also serve some appetizers like wontons, dumplings, or spring rolls. And for dessert, you can try some Chinese sweets like almond cookies, sesame balls, or mooncakes.