Grandma'S Chop Suey
A hearty homemade chop suey featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and those craving classic Chinese-American flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the round steak in a skillet.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, and juice from canned chop suey vegetables.
- Add molasses, beef bouillon, water, and salt.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup water with 3 tablespoons soy sauce.
- Mix the cornstarch mixture into the chop suey and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the round steak in soy sauce and ginger before browning. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the round steak with tofu and use vegetable bouillon instead of beef. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to enhance the dish. Adjust the salt to taste, especially if the chop suey vegetables contain added sodium.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Chop Suey over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of egg rolls or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete Asian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside Oriental Appetizers for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chop suey in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. This dish can also be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Chop Suey contains roughly 363 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the round steak with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins will vary in cooking times. For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh works great, offering a similar texture while absorbing the flavors of the dish.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thick, you can easily adjust it by adding a little more water or broth, stirring well to combine. Heat it gently while adding the liquid until you reach your desired consistency. It's always better to start with less liquid and add more as needed to avoid over-thinning the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Grandma's Chop Suey ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up to the cooking step, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
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).