Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey

Authentic Chinese Chicken Chop Suey Recipe with Mushrooms and Bean Sprouts - Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Chicken Chop Suey is a popular Chinese-American dish that has been enjoyed for many years. It is a stir-fry dish that typically includes a variety of vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has been a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

12 cups roasted chicken
2 large white onions, chopped
6 stalks celery, chopped
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
0.25 cup vegetable oil
5 cups chicken broth
3 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp cornstarch
8 tbsp water
2 cans bean sprouts
2 cans water chestnuts
3 cups boiled rice

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the onions, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Put vegetable oil in a large frying pan, turn the flame to medium, and add the cut-up vegetables.
Cook the vegetables together until the onions turn golden in color, stirring occasionally as the vegetables cook.
Add chicken broth. Do not boil.
Bring to a simmer and continue to simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
Combine cornstarch and water until smooth.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan.
Stir in the chicken, sprouts, and chestnuts, and simmer until heated through.
Serve over boiled rice.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bamboo shoots for a twist on the classic recipe.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.
Experiment with different seasonings or sauces to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more soy sauce or salt if needed.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or protein options to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey over a bed of boiled rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a side salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey is to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch. Be sure to simmer the dish gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can swap out the vegetables, protein, or seasonings to create a dish that you love.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the dish. This can help save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, noodles, or a side salad. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or potstickers for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey contains around 350 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie meal option.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is a great source of carbohydrates, with the rice providing a good amount of energy for your body. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The vegetable oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the dish. Each serving contains around 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Chicken is a great source of protein, and this recipe is no exception. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. The onions, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms provide a range of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. Be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Summary

Overall, Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and nutritious option for a family dinner or gathering.

Summary

Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends. Packed with flavor and loaded with vegetables and protein, this recipe is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a neighborhood potluck party. My dear friend Cathy had brought a dish that caught everyone's attention - her famous Chicken Chop Suey. The aroma wafted through the air, drawing us all in like bees to honey. I simply had to know her secret.

Cathy was kind enough to share the recipe with me, but with a twinkle in her eye, she said, "This is a family secret, so guard it well." I promised to do just that, and so began my journey into the world of Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey.

The first step was to gather all the ingredients. As I read through the list, I realized that this dish was a labor of love. There were so many different vegetables - celery, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms - all waiting to be chopped and sautéed to perfection. And let's not forget the chicken, which needed to be marinated in a special blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

I spent the entire afternoon in my kitchen, carefully chopping, sautéing, and stirring. The colors and smells that filled the room took me back to that summer day when I first tasted Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey. The memories flooded back, and I felt a sense of nostalgia and joy.

Finally, after hours of preparation, the dish was ready. I plated it up, garnished it with some chopped green onions, and took a moment to admire my handiwork. The Chicken Chop Suey looked just like Cathy's - colorful, fragrant, and inviting.

I couldn't wait to dig in. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors dancing on my tongue. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce was simply divine. It was like a symphony of tastes and textures, each one complementing the other perfectly.

I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. I had successfully recreated Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey, and it was just as delicious as I remembered. As I shared the dish with my family and friends, I could see the smiles of satisfaction on their faces. They all agreed that this recipe was a keeper.

Over the years, I have made Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey countless times. Each time, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first tasted it. The memories of friendship, laughter, and good food linger in my heart, making this recipe even more special.

I have shared Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey with many people since then, passing on the family secret as Cathy once did for me. And just like me, they have fallen in love with this dish, cherishing it as a reminder of good times and great flavors.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the journey that led me to discover Cathy's Chicken Chop Suey, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the friendships that have enriched my life, gratitude for the joy of cooking and sharing food with others, and most of all, gratitude for the delicious memories that will always be a part of me.