Simple Chinese Chop Suey

Chinese Chop Suey is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines a medley of fresh vegetables, tender protein, and a savory sauce. This classic recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for a quick, satisfying meal. Whether served with steamed rice or crispy noodles, Chop Suey is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to prepare and endlessly customizable.

What is Chop Suey?

Chop Suey is a dish with a fascinating and debated history, often seen as a symbol of Chinese-American cuisine.

While its exact origins are unclear, poeple widely believe that the dish was created in the late 19th century by Chinese immigrants in the United States, possibly as an adaptation of traditional Chinese stir-fry dishes to suit available ingredients and local tastes.

The term “chop suey” comes from the Cantonese phrase “tsap sui,” meaning “mixed pieces,” reflecting its nature as a medley of vegetables, protein, and sauce. Over time, Chop Suey has become a beloved dish worldwide, celebrated for its versatility and ability to incorporate a variety of flavors and ingredients.

​Ingredients needed to make Chinese Chop Suey

A well-organized ingredients list is the foundation of any successful Chinese Chop Suey recipe. The protein is a key element, with popular options including chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu.

To ensure quick and even cooking, the protein should be cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated for added flavor and tenderness.

A simple marinade of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil works beautifully to enhance the dish’s depth and ensure the protein is moist and flavorful.

The vegetable medley is the heart of Chop Suey, offering a mix of vibrant colors, textures, and nutrients. Classic vegetables include crisp bell peppers in a variety of colors, sweet onions, earthy mushrooms, and tender bok choy or cabbage.

Additional options like carrots, celery, and bean sprouts provide a satisfying crunch and freshness. These vegetables are versatile and can be swapped or adjusted based on what’s in season or readily available, making Chop Suey adaptable to different preferences.

Aromatics are essential to build the flavor base of the dish. Garlic, ginger, and scallions are commonly used, adding an authentic aroma and taste to the recipe. These ingredients are typically stir-fried first, releasing their oils and fragrances to infuse the dish with their signature notes. Properly preparing these aromatics ensures the sauce and vegetables harmonize with the protein.

​How to prepare Chop Suey

The cooking technique for Chinese Chop Suey is centered around stir-frying, a method that uses high heat to cook ingredients quickly while preserving their texture and flavor. The key to successful stir-frying is preparation; all ingredients should be washed, chopped, and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth process, as stir-frying moves quickly and leaves little time to prep once the wok or skillet is hot.

Begin by heating a wok or large skillet over high heat until it is very hot. Adding a small amount of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil, prevents burning and ensures even cooking. Start by stir-frying aromatics—garlic, ginger, and scallions—for a few seconds until fragrant. These ingredients form the flavor base for the dish and should not be overcooked, as this can make them bitter.

Next, cook the protein. This step involves searing it in the hot wok until it is browned on the outside and cooked through. To avoid overcrowding the pan, cook the protein in batches if needed, which helps achieve a proper sear. Once cooked, the protein is removed from the wok and set aside to make room for the vegetables.

The vegetables are stir-fried in the same pan, starting with the ones that take longer to cook, like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Leafy greens and more delicate vegetables, such as bok choy or bean sprouts, are added later to prevent overcooking.

The goal is to achieve a tender-crisp texture, where the vegetables are cooked but still retain their bite. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Once the vegetables are ready, the protein is returned to the pan, and the sauce is poured in. Allow the mixture to simmer for a minute or two, which helps meld the flavors together. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the vegetables or protein, then remove the wok from heat. Serve the finished Chop Suey immediately over steamed rice or noodles to enjoy it at its freshest and most flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Steamed Rice:
   A classic pairing, steamed white or jasmine rice provides the perfect base to soak up the savory sauce of Chop Suey. For a healthier alternative, opt for brown rice or a mix of quinoa and rice for added texture and nutrition.
2. Over Noodles:
   Serve Chop Suey over egg noodles or chow mein for a comforting, hearty meal. For a lighter option, use rice noodles or zucchini noodles to keep the dish gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
3. In a Lettuce Wrap:
   For a fun and fresh twist, spoon the Chop Suey into crisp lettuce leaves like iceberg or romaine. This low-carb option transforms the dish into a handheld appetizer or light main course.
4. Topped with Garnishes:
   Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor. A drizzle of sesame oil or a squeeze of fresh lime can also elevate the final dish.
5. With a Side Dish:
   Pair Chop Suey with complementary sides such as spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal. A bowl of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup can round out the meal with a comforting touch.
6. Family-Style Presentation:
   Serve Chop Suey in a large platter at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. Pair it with other Chinese-inspired dishes like fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, or stir-fried vegetables for a festive, family-style dinner.

Other recipe suggestions

• Chinese 5 Spice Tofu Stir Fry
• Vegan Broccoli Casserole
• Dan Dan Noodles
• Mapo Tofu
• High Protein Salad [vegetarian, vegan, super easy]

I hope you loved making and savoring this delicious Chinese Chop Suey as much as I did! It’s such a versatile, vibrant dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you gave it a try, I’d absolutely love to see your creations—snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook, and don’t forget to tag me so I can cheer you on!

Your feedback means the world to me, so please take a moment to leave a comment below with a star rating and let me know how it turned out. Did you try any fun twists or unique ingredients? I can’t wait to hear about your experience and connect with you in the comments. Happy cooking!