Grandma Cacciabondo'S Chop Suey
Grandma Cacciabondo's Chop Suey features tender pork and crunchy celery in a savory soy and molasses sauce, served over fluffy white rice—comforting and flavorful Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Parboil the chopped celery and reserve the liquid.
- Sauté the chopped onion, pork, and soy sauce until the pork is no longer pink.
- Take out 1 cup of the celery water and allow it to cool.
- Add the pork mixture into the celery and the reserved celery water.
- Mix cornstarch and molasses into the cooled celery water, then add this mixture to the pork when it is tender.
- Serve the chop suey over hot cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the pork with chicken or beef, which can also work well in this recipe. If you want to add a bit of heat, include sliced bell peppers or water chestnuts for crunch. Adjust the soy sauce according to your salt preference and feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. Make sure to parboil the celery just enough to soften it, avoiding overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Cacciabondo's Chop Suey over a bed of hot cooked white rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Uncle Ben's Wild Chinese Rice for added flavor and texture. You can also serve it alongside a fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. For extra garnishing, sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chop suey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help restore moisture. This dish can also freeze well; just ensure it's cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Cacciabondo'S Chop Suey contains roughly 1595 calories, with 3g protein, 385g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (134% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and calcium (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2289mg per serving (100% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the pork with tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through, and keep the soy sauce for flavor.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little more reserved celery water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually while heating to incorporate well. This will help balance the flavors without compromising the dish.
How can I enhance the flavor of the pork?
To enhance the flavor of the pork, marinate it in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with more depth and aroma. You can also experiment with different spices or add a dash of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
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).