Chow Mein Chop Suey
A hearty Chinese-inspired stir-fry featuring tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and savory Samin, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 pork steaks, sliced in 2-inch strips ⓘ
- 6 carrots, French-cut ⓘ
- 1.5 lb string beans, French-cut
- 3 medium onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2-inch piece ginger, crushed ⓘ
- 2 packages Hula brand Samin ⓘ
- 1 package dried mushrooms, soaked until soft and sliced ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- shoyu sauce ⓘ
- cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil Samin with 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings until done. Rinse in cold water and drain.
- Set aside the separated Samin.
- Brown strips of pork steaks, including bones, in a large pan or wok to develop flavor.
- Add carrots and water to cover, cooking about 15 minutes on medium heat.
- Add string beans and sliced dried mushrooms, cook for another 15 minutes.
- Add sliced onions and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Pour in more water to cover the vegetables and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Mix shoyu sauce with cornstarch to create a slightly thick gravy; keep on low heat.
- Saute Samin in sesame seed or olive oil until lightly browned.
- Arrange the browned Samin on a platter and pour the chop suey mixture over it before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the pork in shoyu sauce and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you can't find Hula brand Samin, you can substitute with any other type of egg noodles. For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and add tofu or more vegetables. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and ginger based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chow mein chop suey on a large platter, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside a light cucumber salad or egg rolls for a complete meal. For additional inspiration, browse more Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chow mein chop suey on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or shoyu sauce to prevent sticking. Microwaving is also an option; just cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chow Mein Chop Suey contains roughly 1526 calories, with 27g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1874mg per serving (81% 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 chicken instead of pork in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for the pork. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into strips. The cooking time may be slightly less, so adjust accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
What can I use instead of dried mushrooms?
If you don't have dried mushrooms, you can replace them with fresh mushrooms like shiitake or cremini. Sauté them with the other vegetables until they are tender. Alternatively, you can omit them entirely if you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The chow mein chop suey is great for meal prep. You can make a larger batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to keep the Samin separate until ready to serve to maintain its texture.
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).