Chop Chai
Chop Chai is a flavorful Chinese-inspired noodle stir-fry featuring fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and salted celery, perfect for a quick, hearty vegetarian meal for 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. fine egg noodles or 1/2 lb. Chinese noodles ⓘ
- 3 large carrots, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 4 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped and salted celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup canned vegesteaks, cut into small strips ⓘ
- 6 green onions, cut into thin slivers ⓘ
- 1/2 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Put Chinese noodles in boiling water and cook for 15 minutes.
- Drain the noodles, rinse in cold water, and drain again. Set aside.
- Put 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet and when hot, add carrot strips.
- Fry the carrots until barely soft, then remove and set aside.
- Add more oil to the skillet. When hot, cook the onion slices until lightly browned.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, then set aside.
- Wash the celery and fry until slightly softened.
- Add strips of salted vegesteaks, green onion slivers, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Fry the mixture until fragrant.
- Combine all cooked ingredients in the skillet, season with soy sauce and sugar, and stir well.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding protein like chicken or tofu. If you can't find fine egg noodles, substitute with linguine or even whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist. To enhance flavor, try adding a splash of sesame oil or a dash of chili flakes for heat. This dish can also be made gluten-free by using rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chop Chai with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with Pepper Steak In The Crock for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top before serving. This dish is also great as a light lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chop Chai contains roughly 330 calories, with 14g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1801mg per serving (78% 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
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain them properly before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a soy sauce alternative, coconut aminos is a popular choice that adds a similar umami flavor with lower sodium. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of sriracha into the vegetable mix. Alternatively, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when serving can also elevate the spice level.
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).