Chop Suey Recipe
Chop Suey is a classic dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce, all served over rice or noodles. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to your taste. Ideal for busy weeknights, chop suey is a colorful, nutritious meal that will delight your family and friends. Let’s dive into the delightful world of flavors with this easy chop suey recipe!
Ingredients
– 1 cup of sliced chicken breast (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
– 1 cup of broccoli florets
– 1 cup of bell peppers (red and green), sliced
– 1 cup of snow peas
– 1 cup of bean sprouts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option)
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat. This is based on the use of chicken and a variety of vegetables.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add sliced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Toss in the broccoli and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add snow peas and bean sprouts, continuing to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
6. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to coat the ingredients.
7. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
10. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, feel free to use any seasonal vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Chop Suey pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light salad or spring rolls for added crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chop suey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until hot or stir-fry in a pan. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s cooled before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
– Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain crisp.
– Use high heat for a proper stir-fry.
– Measure sauces accurately to avoid overpowering flavors.
– Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
– Allow protein to sear before stirring for better flavor.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
Helpful Tips
– Try adding sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
– Use a variety of colored vegetables for a vibrant dish.
– Marinate the chicken ahead of time for enhanced taste.
– Serve immediately for the best texture.
– Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
FAQs
What is chop suey?
Chop suey is a Chinese-American dish that typically consists of meat and vegetables stir-fried together, often served with rice or noodles. It is known for its colorful presentation and quick preparation.
Can I make chop suey vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make chop suey vegetarian by substituting meat with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable-based sauces. This still provides a hearty and satisfying meal.
How long does chop suey last in the fridge?
Chop suey can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Can I add more vegetables to chop suey?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms based on your preference. The more colorful, the better!
Is chop suey gluten-free?
Chop suey can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten.
Conclusion
Chop Suey is a versatile and quick meal that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you’re using chicken, tofu, or an array of vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy this colorful, nutritious option for your next family dinner or meal prep!
Chop Suey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced chicken breast
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Toss in the broccoli and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
- Add snow peas and bean sprouts, continuing to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to coat the ingredients.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions if desired.
