Chop Suey Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry Classic

What Is Chop Suey?

Chop Suey is a beloved stir-fry dish that combines crisp-tender vegetables, sliced meat, and a savory, glossy sauce. It’s typically served over steamed rice or crispy noodles, making it both hearty and satisfying. In essence, Chop Suey is a flexible, clean-out-the-fridge kind of recipe—yet when done right, it’s a vibrant stir-fry masterpiece.

What makes this dish unique is its adaptability: you can use chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu alongside a colorful medley of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. It’s finished with a soy- and oyster-based sauce that’s thickened just enough to cling to every bite.

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Origin of Chop Suey

The origin of Chop Suey is often surrounded by myth and mystery. Many people think of it as an authentic Chinese dish, while others recognize it as a Chinese-American invention. Let’s dig a little deeper.

A Dish Born from Immigrant Roots

The most popular story traces Chop Suey back to the 1800s in California, where Chinese immigrants working on the railroads or in gold mines began adapting their native recipes to fit Western palates and available ingredients. The phrase “Chop Suey” is thought to come from the Cantonese words “tsap sui,” which means “miscellaneous leftovers” or “mixed pieces.” This reflects the dish’s essence—a mix of vegetables and meat stir-fried together.

Over time, this humble recipe became a symbol of Chinese-American cuisine, showing up in restaurants across the United States, and eventually spreading worldwide. Today, Chop Suey recipes vary based on region and personal taste, but the core idea remains the same: a delicious, fast, and flexible stir-fry.

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Ingredients for Chop Suey (Serves 4)

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Chop Suey recipe at home:

For the Protein:

• 300g chicken breast or pork, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch

 Cooking:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced

 Vegetables:

• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
• ½ cup snow peas or green beans
• ½ cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced

 Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• Cornstarch slurry: 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

This combination of fresh, colorful vegetables and a flavorful sauce creates the signature savory-sweet profile of a true Chop Suey recipe.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chop Suey

Follow these steps to prepare an authentic and delicious Chop Suey at home. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Step 1: Marinate the Meat

In a bowl, combine:

• 300g thinly sliced chicken breast or pork
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Let it sit for 10 minutes to tenderize and soak up the flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add the marinated meat and stir-fry until just cooked through—about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in:

• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 small sliced onion

Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Now add:

• 1 cup carrots
• ½ cup bell peppers
• ½ cup mushrooms

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes to start softening them. Then add:

• 1 cup cabbage
• ½ cup snow peas or green beans
• ½ cup bean sprouts

Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously to keep everything crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken or pork to the pan. Pour in:

• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water). Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and white pepper as needed. Serve hot over:

• Steamed white rice
• Fried rice
• Crispy chow mein noodles

And there you have it—a restaurant-worthy Chop Suey that’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor!

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Tasty Variations of Chop Suey

The beauty of Chop Suey is that it’s endlessly customizable. Here are some fun and flavorful twists:

1. Shrimp or Tofu Chop Suey

Substitute chicken or pork with shrimp or cubed tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.

2. Spicy Gochujang Chop Suey

Add 1 teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a fiery fusion kick.

3. Sweet and Sour Twist

Incorporate pineapple chunks and a dash of vinegar and brown sugar to mimic a sweet and sour stir-fry.

4. Filipino-Style Chop Suey

Add quail eggs, liver slices, or even seafood to create a Filipino version, often served at parties and gatherings.

5. Low-Carb Chop Suey

Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower rice or just enjoy it as a standalone stir-fry for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

Each version retains the core flavor profile of the classic Chop Suey recipe, while letting you get creative with ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What’s the difference between Chop Suey and Chow Mein?

Chop Suey is typically served with steamed rice or separately with noodles, while Chow Mein is stir-fried together with noodles. Chow Mein tends to be crunchier and less saucy.

Q2: Can I make Chop Suey ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the veggies and sauce ahead. The final stir-fry takes less than 10 minutes. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q3: Is Chop Suey gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free, this dish can be made suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Q4: Can I freeze Chop Suey?

You can freeze it, but veggies may lose their crunch. It’s best to freeze just the meat and sauce, then add fresh vegetables when reheating.

Q5: What goes well with Chop Suey?

Chop Suey pairs well with:

• Jasmine rice
• Fried rice
• Garlic noodles
• Spring rolls
• Hot and sour soup

These sides complete a restaurant-style Asian meal at home.

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Conclusion: Why This Chop Suey Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table

If you’ve been searching for a delicious, quick, and flexible stir-fry, this Chop Suey recipe is exactly what you need. With crisp vegetables, tender slices of meat, and a savory sauce that ties it all together, it’s a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and versatility.

What sets this version apart is its balance of textures, deep umami flavor, and the ability to adapt based on your taste or diet. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a quick lunch, or prepping meals for the week, this Chop Suey hits the spot every time.

So go ahead—grab your wok, prep your veggies, and stir-fry your way to homemade chop suey perfection. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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