Chop Suey Recipe

Chop Suey is a colorful, flavorful stir-fry that balances tender chicken with a crisp mix of vegetables and savory sauces. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and rich taste, making it an ideal choice for a quick, wholesome meal.

This dish brings together shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, celery, snow peas, and mung bean sprouts in a harmonious blend. The combination of oyster and soy sauces, accented with sesame oil and a hint of sugar, creates a deep, savory flavor that is instantly comforting.

Quick to prepare yet impressive on the plate, Chop Suey pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Its vibrant colors, balanced textures, and bold flavors make it a versatile weeknight dinner that will delight both family and guests alike.

Chop Suey: A Flavorful Stir-Fry Delight

Chop Suey is a vibrant and hearty stir-fry that brings together tender chicken and a medley of crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite. With the right balance of flavors, textures, and seasonings, Chop Suey is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve it over steaming hot rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Recipe Tips

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast process, so having all your vegetables sliced and chicken cut before heating the pan ensures nothing overcooks. Even minor delays can affect the texture of your vegetables and the juiciness of the chicken.
2. Maintain High Heat: Stir-frying works best over medium-high to high heat. This allows the chicken to sear nicely and the vegetables to stay crisp rather than steaming in their own juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook in batches to preserve texture and flavor.
3. Customize Your Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar gives Chop Suey its signature balance. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra depth, try a splash of rice wine or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

What to Serve with Chop Suey

1. Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The most classic accompaniment is a bed of fragrant rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite satisfying and balanced. Serve immediately while hot to maintain the perfect texture.
2. Egg Fried Rice: For a richer meal, pair Chop Suey with egg fried rice. The scrambled eggs and subtle seasonings in the fried rice complement the vegetables and chicken, creating a well-rounded, restaurant-style dinner at home.
3. Simple Asian Noodles: Stir-fried or boiled noodles tossed with a light sesame or soy-based sauce make a great alternative to rice. The noodles absorb the Chop Suey sauce while providing a slightly different texture, perfect for noodle lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works fine, but it cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure not to overcook.

2. Can I make this Chop Suey vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace chicken with firm tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or baby corn. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

3. How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Cook vegetables on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Add delicate vegetables like snow peas and bean sprouts last, cooking them just long enough to warm through.

4. Can I prepare Chop Suey ahead of time?
You can chop vegetables and marinate chicken ahead of time, but stir-frying is best done fresh. The sauce and vegetables lose texture if stored too long. Reheat gently if needed, and consider adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Chop Suey Ingredients Section

Chicken Thighs – Tender and juicy, they form the hearty foundation of this stir-fry, soaking up the savory sauces while adding satisfying protein.

Shiitake Mushrooms – Earthy and meaty, they enhance depth and umami, balancing the bright crunch of fresh vegetables.

Red Bell Pepper & Carrots – Vibrant, sweet, and crisp, these vegetables provide color, texture, and natural sweetness that lift the entire dish.

Celery & Snow Peas – Refreshing and crunchy, they add lightness and a delicate snap to every bite.

Mung Bean Sprouts & Green Onions – Fresh and crisp, they contribute subtle sharpness and a lively, aromatic finish.

Oyster Sauce & Soy Sauce – Rich, savory, and slightly sweet, these sauces harmonize the ingredients, tying together flavors with a silky finish.

Sesame Oil – Adds a fragrant, nutty aroma, enhancing the stir-fry with a subtle depth and complexity.

Steamed Rice – Soft and fluffy, it provides the perfect canvas to savor the vibrant, saucy stir-fry.

Chop Suey

Chop Suey is a lively and satisfying stir-fry that marries tender chicken with a colorful assortment of crisp vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of speed and flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or any time a quick, wholesome meal is desired.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 People

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 medium white onion finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 8 to 10 shiitake mushrooms stems removed
• 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 ribs celery sliced into 1-inch segments
• 4 ounces snow peas trimmed
• 2 green onions cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 ounces mung bean sprouts
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons water for dissolving cornstarch
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups steamed rice for serving

Method

 

1. Prepare the chicken:
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a large, deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
3. Add vegetables and seasonings:
4. Introduce the chopped onion and sliced carrots to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sprinkle in the sugar. Drizzle the sesame oil over the mixture. Stir thoroughly and cook on high heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to bubble gently.
5. Incorporate remaining vegetables:
6. Add the shiitake mushrooms, red bell pepper, and celery. Continue stir-frying for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring that the celery is tender yet retains a satisfying crunch.
7. Add peas, green onions, and bean sprouts:
8. Stir in the snow peas, green onions, and mung bean sprouts. Cook for 2 more minutes, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
9. Thicken the sauce:
10. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 1/2 teaspoons of water. Gradually add this mixture to the stir-fry while stirring constantly. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Adjust salt to taste.

Notes

Plate the Chop Suey alongside steamed rice and enjoy immediately while hot.