Chop Suey
Chop Suey is a classic American-Chinese dish with murky origins. As one legend has it, Chinese viceroy Li Hung Chang, visiting San Francisco's Palace Hotel in the 1890s, requested vegetables with a bit of meat "job suey," or "in fine pieces," and chef Joseph Herder obliged. Whatever the origins, the combination of stir-fried meats and vegetables with a sweet-and-savory sauce is endlessly customizable and easy to make with whatever you have on hand. This version combines pork tenderloin with celery, mushrooms, bok choy, bamboo, and water chestnuts—but you should feel free to use whatever veggies or meat you have lurking in the fridge.
Chop Suey is a classic American-Chinese dish with murky origins. As one legend has it, Chinese viceroy Li Hung Chang, visiting San Francisco's Palace Hotel in the 1890s, requested vegetables with a bit of meat "job suey," or "in fine pieces," and chef Joseph Herder obliged. Whatever the origins, the combination of stir-fried meats and vegetables with a sweet-and-savory sauce is endlessly customizable and easy to make with whatever you have on hand. This version combines pork tenderloin with celery, mushrooms, bok choy, bamboo, and water chestnuts—but you should feel free to use whatever veggies or meat you have lurking in the fridge.
- Carbohydrate 15 g(5%)
- Cholesterol 49 mg(16%)
- Fat 8 g(12%)
- Fiber 4 g(17%)
- Protein 20 g(40%)
- Saturated Fat 1 g(7%)
- Sodium 749 mg(31%)
- Calories 204
Step-by-step
- Stir together garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, soy sauce, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch in a bowl. Stir in pork and marinate 15 minutes.
- Keep cut vegetables separate. Heat a wok over high heat until a bead of water dropped onto cooking surface evaporates immediately. Drizzle 1 teaspoon vegetable oil around side of wok, then stir-fry celery, seasoning with salt, until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer celery to a large bowl.
- Reheat wok and stir-fry each remaining vegetable separately in the same manner (but allow only 1 minute for bean sprouts), adding 1 teaspoon oil to wok before each batch and seasoning with salt. When stir-frying bok choy, begin with ribs, then add leaves and 1 tablespoon water after 1 minute. Transfer each vegetable as cooked to bowl with celery.
- Stir together chicken broth, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
- Reheat wok over high heat until a bead of water evaporates immediately. Drizzle 1 tablespoon vegetable oil around side of wok, then stir-fry pork until just cooked through, about 2 minutes.
- Return all vegetables to wok and toss. Make a well in center, then stir broth mixture and add to well. Bring sauce to a boil, undisturbed, then stir to combine with pork and vegetables.
- Serve immediately, with cooked rice.
My Weeknight Chop Suey Savior
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like an impossible task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I've come to rely on quick and easy recipes that don't sacrifice flavor or nutrition. This Chop Suey recipe has become my absolute weeknight lifesaver.
The beauty of Chop Suey lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for whatever vegetables I have on hand. One night it might be overflowing with vibrant peppers and snap peas; another night, I might use leftover broccoli and carrots. The pork is equally versatile – chicken or even shrimp would work perfectly. The key is to keep the vegetables crisp-tender and the sauce light and flavorful. The sauce's sweet and savory balance is a delicious counterpoint to the hearty vegetables and protein.
I love the way the textures play off each other in this dish. The satisfying crunch of the celery and water chestnuts contrasts beautifully with the tender pork and soft bok choy. It's a vibrant symphony of tastes and textures that always leaves my family feeling satisfied and energized. The whole cooking process takes less than 30 minutes, freeing up precious time for other important things—like spending time with my family.
Why this recipe is my go-to:
- Speed and efficiency: This recipe comes together in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Adaptability: It’s incredibly versatile; use whatever vegetables and protein you have available.
- Healthy and balanced: Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean protein, it's a delicious and guilt-free meal.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The sweet and savory sauce is irresistible, and the combination of textures is a delight.
Beyond the practical benefits, this Chop Suey recipe holds a special place in my heart. It's a dish that brings my family together, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness around the dinner table. While the origins of Chop Suey may be shrouded in mystery, its comforting presence in our family meals is anything but. Each time I make it, I feel a connection to a long culinary tradition, while simultaneously creating new family memories.
So next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty dinner solution, give this Chop Suey recipe a try. You might just find your new weeknight favorite. And if you're looking for a fun way to involve the kids, let them help with chopping the vegetables – it's a great way to teach them about healthy eating and cooking.
This isn't just a meal; it's a moment. A moment to pause, to connect, and to savor the simple pleasures of good food and good company. It’s a testament to the power of a simple, adaptable recipe to bring joy and sustenance to a busy family's life. It’s a dish that’s both a celebration of convenience and a celebration of family.
Tips for success:
- Use a wok: While you can use a large skillet, a wok is ideal for this dish as it helps to maintain high heat.
- Don't overcrowd the wok: Stir-fry vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time: This will make the cooking process much faster.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, oyster sauce, or salt to suit your preferences.
Enjoy!
