American Chop Suey Or Chow Mein
American Chop Suey or Chow Mein combines tender pork, crunchy celery, bean sprouts, and savory sauce for a quick, satisfying Asian-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pork chunks and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Stir in hot water, diced celery, and drained bean sprouts.
- Add monosodium glutamate, soy sauce, and sugar; bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, combine cold water and cornstarch to make a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger to the skillet while cooking the onions. If you don't have monosodium glutamate, you can omit it or use a dash of soy sauce for added umami. This dish is quite versatile; feel free to substitute pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein. Explore variations in your favorite Chinese recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve American Chop Suey over steamed rice or alongside crispy egg rolls for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chop Chow Mein, enhancing the flavors of both dishes. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. A side of pickled vegetables can also complement the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water if it seems dry to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of American Chop Suey Or Chow Mein contains roughly 345 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2711mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the pork with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish's heartiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).