Chicken Chop Suey

Chinese Chicken Chop Suey Recipe with Bean Sprouts and Green Pepper

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Chop Suey is a popular Chinese-American dish that is made with a combination of thinly shredded meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce. This dish is known for its delicious flavors and crunchy texture, making it a favorite among many.

History

Chop Suey originated in the United States in the late 19th century, created by Chinese immigrants who adapted their traditional recipes to suit American tastes. The dish quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.

Ingredients

4 – 6 oz (115 – 175 g) thinly shredded chicken meat
1 tsp salt
0.25 egg white
1 tbsp thick cornflour / cornstarch paste - (1 part cornflour with 1.2 parts cold water)
about 0.5 pt (300 ml) seasoned oil (see below)
0.5 tsp finely chopped garlic (optional)
1 tbsp thinly shredded fresh ginger root
3 – 4 thinly shredded spring onions
4 – 6 oz (115 – 175 g) bean sprouts
1 small green pepper, cored and seeded, thinly shredded
0.5 tsp caster (superfine) sugar
1 tbsp light soy sauce
0.5 tbsp chinese rice wine
2 tbsp stock
pinch of msg (optional)
a few drops of sesame oil

How to prepare

Mix the chicken shreds with a pinch of salt, the egg white, and about 1 tsp of cornflour/cornstarch paste.
Blanch them in warm oil, stirring to separate, then remove and drain them.
Pour off the excess oil, leaving about 2 tbsp in the wok. Stir-fry all the vegetables for about 1 minute. Add the remaining salt and sugar, blend well. Then add the chicken with the soy sauce and wine. Stir-fry for another minute, and add the stock and msg, if using. Finally, thicken the gravy with the remaining cornflour paste. Garnish with the sesame oil and serve hot.
To season vegetable oil: Pour about 1 pt (600 ml) of vegetable oil into a pre-heated wok or saucepan over high heat. Add 2 – 3 small pieces of ginger root.
In a few minutes, the ginger pieces should rise to the surface.
Now watch the color of the ginger; when it turns from pale yellow to dark brown, turn off the heat and let the oil cool down a little before removing the ginger pieces.
Then store the seasoned oil in a container.

Variations

Substitute chicken with beef, pork, or tofu for a different flavor.
Add water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch.
Customize the sauce with oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thinly shred the meat and vegetables for a uniform texture.

- Blanching the chicken shreds in warm oil helps to separate them and gives them a crispy texture.

- Seasoning the oil with ginger adds a fragrant flavor to the dish.

- Thicken the gravy with cornflour paste for a glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Chop Suey hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the chicken shreds in warm oil

- Stir-frying the vegetables quickly to retain their crunch

- Thicken the gravy with cornflour paste for a glossy finish

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any protein of your choice in place of chicken

- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the seasoned oil and chop the vegetables ahead of time for quick assembly when ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Chop Suey with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chicken Chop Suey with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron from the vegetables and meat.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Chop Suey is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Chop Suey is a delicious and nutritious Chinese-American dish that is easy to make at home. With a mix of meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We lived in a small village nestled in the hills, where the air was always filled with the aroma of spices and herbs.

One day, a distant relative came to visit us from the bustling city. She was a glamorous woman, with a sophisticated air about her. As she sat in our humble kitchen, she regaled us with tales of her travels and the exotic dishes she had sampled along the way. One dish, in particular, caught my attention - Chicken Chop Suey.

My mother, always eager to learn new recipes, asked our guest to teach her how to make this mysterious dish. I watched with fascination as they chopped, sautéed, and simmered a medley of vegetables and chicken in a savory sauce. The kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

As I watched them cook, I knew that I had to learn how to make Chicken Chop Suey. I begged my mother to let me help, and she graciously allowed me to stir the pot and taste the flavors. From that moment on, I was hooked.

I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to perfect the recipe. I sought out cookbooks, asked friends for advice, and even visited local restaurants to taste their versions of Chicken Chop Suey. Each time, I learned something new and added my own twist to the dish.

Over time, I became known in our village as the Chicken Chop Suey expert. Friends and family would come to me for advice on how to make the dish, and I happily shared my knowledge with them. I was proud of my culinary skills and the joy it brought to others.

As the years passed, I continued to refine my recipe for Chicken Chop Suey. I added more vegetables, experimented with different spices, and even tried using different types of meat. Each variation was a delicious adventure, and I never tired of exploring the possibilities.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of my childhood, I can't help but smile as I prepare a steaming pot of Chicken Chop Suey. The memories of that day with my mother and our glamorous guest flood back to me, filling me with a warm sense of nostalgia.

Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with my heritage and share the flavors of my childhood with others. And Chicken Chop Suey will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I discovered the magic of cooking and the joy it brings to those around me.