Chop Suey(China)
Chop Suey is a flavorful Chinese-inspired stir-fry featuring tender veal or pork, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, perfect for a hearty family meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a small amount of oil.
- Transfer the browned meat to a large saucepan.
- Fry the chopped celery; add a small amount of water and steam for 10 minutes.
- Add the steamed celery to the meat.
- Fry the chopped green pepper and Bermuda onion together.
- Combine the meat and vegetables in the saucepan.
- Add a cup of water to the mixture.
- Mix cornstarch, brown sugar, and soy sauce together to make a sauce.
- Add the sauce to the meat and vegetables.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour.
- Add the canned mushrooms 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve over rice.
- May be prepared a day ahead.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the veal or pork in soy sauce and garlic for an hour before cooking. If you can't find mixed suey vegetables, you can substitute with a blend of your favorite stir-fry vegetables. For a vegetarian option, tofu or seitan can replace the meat, and you can use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Chop Suey is best served over steamed rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Chinese Vegetable Soup or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it with egg rolls or dumplings for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chop Suey(China) contains roughly 102 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin D (16% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1037mg per serving (45% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While veal and pork are traditional, you can use chicken, beef, or even shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Chop Suey gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially packaged vegetables, do not contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without worry.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, Chop Suey can be prepared a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe, then store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).