Chop Suey
Chop Suey is a Chinese-American stir-fry dish made with beef, vegetables, and a savory sauce. The beef is usually thinly sliced and marinated before being stir-fried with vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. The sauce typically consists of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings.
How to Cook Beef Chop Suey Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide
Beef chop suey is a dish that has gained worldwide popularity for its vibrant flavors, colorful assortment of vegetables, and versatile meat options. It originated in southern China but has evolved over time to become a staple in many Asian cuisines, especially those influenced by Cantonese cooking. Today, we’re going to take you through an in-depth guide to cooking up a delectable beef chop suey right in your own kitchen. This post is perfect for home cooks eager to explore Asian cuisine or those looking for a new and exciting recipe to add to their repertoire.
Sizzling Success: The Art of Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you even think about turning up the heat, you must gather all the necessary ingredients to make sure your beef chop suey is as mouthwatering as can be. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- For the marinade:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- For the stir fry:
- 4 tbsp cooking oil (2 tbsp for frying, 2 tbsp for stir fry)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small carrot, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 250 grams cauliflower, chopped
- 250 grams broccoli, chopped
- 227 grams snow peas, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 170 grams mung bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp wine
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now that you’ve laid out all your ingredients, it’s time to start slicing, dicing, and prepping to get them ready for the wok. Ensure your beef slices are paper-thin, as this will help them cook quickly and absorb the marinade’s flavors fully.
Mastering the Wok: The Perfect Cooking Process
A wok is the traditional cooking vessel for chop suey and stir-fry dishes because it allows for fast, high-heat cooking and even distribution of heat. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will also do the job. Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to get cooking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In a large skillet or wok, heat half of the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion, carrot, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, and snow peas. Stir-fry for about five minutes, making sure to keep the vegetables moving to prevent burning. They should be softened but still have a crisp texture. After they’re cooked, season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside. This step sets the stage for your vegetables, ensuring they have a fantastic depth of flavor.
2. Cooking the Beef
In the same pan, add the rest of the oil, if needed, and increase the heat. Cook the thinly sliced beef until it’s browned on all sides. This should only take a few minutes, and the beef should be cooked to perfection—an essential step to ensure your beef chop suey is tender and full of flavor.
3. Adding Sauce and Seasoning
Add your minced garlic to the pan with the beef and cook for an additional minute. This infuses the meat with a layer of aromatic pungency. Then, return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef. Add in the mung bean sprouts and a bit of water, stirring for about a minute. This melds all the flavors together and starts to create the savory base of your beef chop suey.
4. Combining All Ingredients
Pour in the wine and oyster sauce over everything in the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, it’s time to mix all your ingredients together. Be sure to taste test along the way to ensure the flavors are balanced to your liking.
Your beef chop suey is almost ready to be served. It’s best enjoyed hot, and you can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delectable juices.
Savor the Flavors: Tips for a Perfect Beef Chop Suey
The beauty of beef chop suey is its versatility—you can play with different ingredients and techniques to create a dish that suits your taste. Here are some tips to ensure you get it just right:
- Use high-quality beef that’s suitable for quick cooking, such as ribeye or sirloin. The right cut will ensure your beef is tender and succulent.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok when you’re stir-frying. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and cause your ingredients to steam rather than fry, resulting in a texture that’s quite different from the crispness you’d want in chop suey.
- Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning and the types of vegetables according to your preference. Chop suey is a very personal dish, so make it your own.
- Add an egg to the stir-fry for a richer, silkier sauce. Once the veggies are partially cooked, push them to the side of the wok, and scramble the egg in the empty space. When the egg is almost set, mix it in with the rest of the ingredients.
A Taste for Every Palate: Variations and Customizations
Once you’ve mastered the art of beef chop suey, you can start to vary the recipe to your heart’s content. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Swap out the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for a different flavor profile or diet preference.
- Include water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or even some spicy chili peppers for an extra crunch or kick.
- Top your beef chop suey with toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of green onions for added texture and color.
The Healthy Twist: Nutritional Benefits of Beef Chop Suey
Beef chop suey isn’t just delicious; it can be nutritious too! This dish is a great way to get a variety of vegetables into your meal, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The beef adds protein, and when cooked with minimal oil, this dish can be a healthy addition to your menu.
In Conclusion
Cooking beef chop suey can be a delightful way to explore Asian flavors right in your home kitchen. With a few simple steps and some fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that’s as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting on your culinary adventures, beef chop suey is a wonderful dish to add to your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and discover the magic of homemade beef chop suey!
Chop Suey Frequently Asked Questions
What does chop suey consist of?
Chop suey is a dish that originated in southern China and became popular in the United States in the late 19th century. It consists of chopped vegetables, meat (typically chicken or pork), and sometimes tofu, stir-fried with a thickened sauce. The exact vegetables and meats used can vary, but common ingredients include bean sprouts, cabbage, celery, mushrooms, and water chestnuts.
What is difference between chow mein and chop suey?
The main difference between chow mein and chop suey is the cooking method. Chow mein is made by frying thin noodles until crispy before adding them to stir-fried meat and vegetables. Chop suey does not typically use noodles as an ingredient but is instead served over rice.
What is American chop suey made of?
American chop suey has its origins in American Chinese cuisine and typically includes macaroni pasta mixed with ground beef or beans and topped with tomato-based sauce or grated cheese.
What is the difference between American chop suey and Chinese chop suey?
The main difference between American chop suey and Chinese chop suey is the inclusion of macaroni pasta in American version while the Chinese version uses traditional ingredients like rice or noodles.
Which is healthier chop suey or chow mein?
In terms of healthiness, chop suey may be considered healthier than chow mein as they contain more vegetable content compared to fried noodle dishes. However, it is ultimately depends on the specific recipe used for each dish.
What to serve with beef chop suey?
Some popular options to serve with beef chop suey include steamed rice, fried rice, chow mein or lo mein noodles, and vegetable egg rolls. For a more complete meal, you could serve a side of soup such as hot and sour soup or egg drop soup. Additionally, some people enjoy serving crispy wonton strips or fortune cookies on the side for added crunchiness and fun.
Chop Suey
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef ribeye steak, thinly sliced
FOR THE MARINADE
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
FOR THE STIR FRY
- 4 tbsp cooking oil 2 tbsp for frying, 2 tbsp for stir fry
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 small carrot sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 250 grams cauliflower chopped
- 250 grams broccoli chopped
- 227 grams snow peas trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 170 grams mung bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp wine
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat.
- Toss in chopped onion, carrot, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, and snow peas. Stir-fry for five minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper then remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add two more tablespoons of oil if needed. Cook the thinly sliced beef until browned on all sides.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return cooked vegetables back into the pan with beef. Add in the mung bean sprouts and water then stir for a minute.
- Pour in wine and oyster sauce over everything in the pan. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot over rice and enjoy your homemade beef chop suey.
Video
Nutrition
About Author
