Mom'S Chop Suey
Mom's Chop Suey is a hearty, savory stir-fry featuring tender meats, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce, perfect for family dinners and those craving classic Chinese-American comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef, cut in small pieces
- 2 lb pork, cut in small pieces ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp oleo
- 5 cups celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp Kitchen Bouquet ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 quarts water ⓘ
- 6 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 cans mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 large bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1 can bamboo shoots (optional)
- 1 can water chestnuts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beef and pork in a bowl and add Kitchen Bouquet; mix into the meat.
- Heat oleo in a large skillet and brown the meat.
- Transfer the browned meat to a large pan.
- Add water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and beef bouillon cubes to the pan.
- Cover and simmer gently until nearly done, about 1 hour.
- Add sliced celery and chopped onions.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts if used, and cook until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef and pork in soy sauce and Kitchen Bouquet overnight. You can substitute the beef with chicken for a lighter dish. If you want to add more vegetables, bell peppers or snap peas work well. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your bouillon cubes are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Chop Suey over steamed rice or alongside egg noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. For a casual touch, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, but stir halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Chop Suey contains roughly 1649 calories, with 21g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2651mg per serving (115% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Mom's Chop Suey a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the dish when reheated.
What can I substitute for Kitchen Bouquet?
If you don't have Kitchen Bouquet, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor. Alternatively, a dash of balsamic vinegar can add a nice richness.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that all vegetables are tender and flavorful.
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).