If you have ever craved a hearty, colorful, and supremely comforting dish that brings a burst of flavor with every bite, then you are going to love this Chop Suey Recipe. This classic stir-fry delights with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that ties everything together perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this dish offers a wonderful way to enjoy a quick yet satisfying meal loaded with texture and taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bringing together fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Chop Suey Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavors and creating that ideal balance of tender, crunchy, and savory notes.
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 egg white: Helps to tenderize the chicken and gives a glossy coating when marinated.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Vital for thickening the sauce and keeping the chicken juicy.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth to the chicken marinade and overall dish.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic and zesty notes.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sweet and savory base for the stir-fry.
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced into strips: Contributes bright color and crunch.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables: A medley of carrots, snow peas, broccoli, and baby corn brings color and varied textures.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness while keeping the dish light.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Deepens the savory profile with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Enhances the flavors and balances acidity.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to highlight all flavors.
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness without overpowering the other elements.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce into a glossy, velvety coating.
How to Make Chop Suey Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken an upgrade with a simple marinade. Whisk together the egg white, cornstarch, and soy sauce until combined. Add the thinly sliced chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and helps it develop a silky texture when cooked, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking it until it turns opaque and is just cooked through. This usually takes only a few minutes due to the thin slices. Removing the chicken at this stage ensures it stays juicy and avoids overcooking later when combined with the vegetables.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, setting the perfect aromatic base. Follow with the bell pepper and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry everything until the vegetables are crisp-tender. This quick cooking preserves their bright colors, crunch, and nutrients, giving the dish that irresistible fresh bite.
Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dish
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir. Then add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer to marry all the flavors. Finally, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a luscious, glossy coating that clings to every piece. This is the heart of the Chop Suey Recipe — a sauce that ties all the wonderful flavors together brilliantly.
How to Serve Chop Suey Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Chop Suey Recipe to restaurant-quality presentation. Try sprinkling freshly chopped green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds on top. These add bursts of freshness and texture, making the dish look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Chop Suey is perfectly suited to be served over steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. For a lighter alternative, you could serve it alongside cauliflower rice or even as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fun and fresh twist.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, consider serving your Chop Suey Recipe in individual lettuce cups, or use it as a flavorful topping for noodles. Another fun idea is to make a Chop Suey stir-fry bowl with rice, avocado slices, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fusion flair. The possibilities are endless and so delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chop Suey Recipe stores exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The savory sauce helps keep the chicken moist and vegetables flavorful. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to maintain the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option, though the vegetables might lose a bit of their crunch. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve as much freshness as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without toughening the chicken. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Pork, beef, shrimp, or even tofu work wonderfully with this Chop Suey Recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What vegetables can I substitute in this Chop Suey Recipe?
Feel free to swap in your favorites or what’s in season. Mushrooms, zucchini, cabbage, or bean sprouts all complement the dish beautifully and keep things fresh and exciting.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute and ensuring the oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, by replacing the chicken with extra firm tofu and using vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce, you can create a delicious plant-based Chop Suey Recipe.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken and vegetables nicely without becoming too gloppy or watery. The cornstarch slurry helps achieve that perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chop Suey Recipe is a treasure trove of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. It’s a fantastic dish to bring color and warmth to your table any night of the week. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite to cook again and again!
Print
Chop Suey Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chop Suey recipe is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken breast and a colorful mix of crisp vegetables in a savory brown sauce. Perfectly marinated chicken combined with fresh veggies makes a quick, flavorful meal served over rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Chop Suey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, snow peas, broccoli, baby corn), bite-sized
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together egg white, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Add thinly sliced chicken breast and mix well to coat. Refrigerate and marinate for 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and thinly sliced onion. Stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Then add the bell pepper strips and mixed vegetables, cooking until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle the teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste. Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Serve the Chop Suey hot over freshly cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control salt content.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variation.
- Adjust vegetables based on availability or preference.
- Do not overcook vegetables to maintain crispness and nutrients.
- Marinating the chicken with egg white tenderizes the meat and helps the sauce adhere better.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
