Chinese Chicken Chop Suey Recipe: Easiest Ways to Cook It in Your Kitchen

Chicken chop suey is a classic stir fry recipe that is perfect for those who love the bold flavours of Chinese cuisine. With a combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savoury sauce, chicken chop suey is a dish that is sure to impress.

The history and origin of chop suey is a topic of much debate, but it is widely believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the United States. The dish is typically made with a protein, such as chicken, pork, or beef, along with a variety of vegetables and a soy sauce-based sauce. While the ingredients may vary depending on the recipe, the end result is always a delicious and satisfying meal.

To make the perfect chicken chop suey, you'll need a few key ingredients, including chicken breast, garlic, onion, choy sum, and bean sprouts. However, there is plenty of room for experimentation with this dish, so feel free to substitute other vegetables or proteins as desired. For example, you could try adding seafood to the recipe, such as shrimp or scallops, for a delicious twist on this classic dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken chop suey is a classic Chinese stir fry dish made with a combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savoury sauce.
• The dish is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the United States and typically includes a protein, such as chicken, along with a variety of vegetables and a soy sauce-based sauce.
• To make the perfect chicken chop suey, you'll need a few key ingredients, but there is plenty of room for experimentation with this dish, including the addition of seafood such as shrimp or scallops.

History and Origin of Chop Suey

Chop Suey is a dish that has become synonymous with Chinese cuisine in the US. The dish is believed to have originated in the US and not in China, as many people might think. The exact origin of Chop Suey is still a matter of debate, with several stories surrounding its creation.

One theory suggests that Chop Suey was created in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants in the US who were looking for a way to use up their leftover food. The dish was made by combining various vegetables, meat, and sauces, resulting in a hearty and flavourful meal.

Another theory suggests that Chop Suey was created by Chinese cooks working in American restaurants who were trying to cater to the American palate. They created a dish that was a fusion of Chinese and American flavours, resulting in the dish we know today.

Evolution in Chinese-American Cuisine

Chop Suey has evolved over the years and is now a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. While the original recipe included pork or chicken, modern versions of the dish include beef, shrimp, and other seafood. The dish is typically served with rice or noodles.

If you are looking to make an authentic Chinese Chicken Chop Suey recipe, you can use a combination of chicken, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. However, if you want to add a seafood twist to the recipe, you can use shrimp or crab meat. The addition of seafood will add a unique flavour to the dish, making it even more delicious.

Chop Suey is a dish that has stood the test of time and has become a beloved part of Chinese-American cuisine. Whether you are looking for an authentic recipe or a modern twist on the dish, there is no denying that Chop Suey is a delicious and satisfying meal that you can enjoy at any Chinese restaurant in the US.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to making Chinese chicken chop suey, there are a few key ingredients that you will need to have on hand. Here are the main components of this dish and some potential substitutions you can use if you don't have everything you need:

Protein Choices

The protein is one of the most important components of this dish, and there are several options to choose from. While chicken breast is the most common protein used in this recipe, you could also use beef, shrimp or even seafood such as scallops or prawns. If you're vegetarian, you could use tofu or tempeh instead.

Vegetable Varieties

The vegetables used in chicken chop suey are also very important. You can use a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, mushrooms, water chestnuts, celery, snow peas, baby corn, cabbage, bell pepper, broccoli, and bamboo shoots. Bean sprouts are also a great addition to this dish. Feel free to mix and match to create your own custom blend of veggies.

Sauce Components

The sauce is what brings everything together in this dish. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil are the three main components of the sauce. Garlic and onion are also commonly used to add flavour. If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use fish sauce as a substitute. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for some acidity.

There are many different ingredients you can use to make chicken chop suey. While there are some traditional ingredients that are commonly used, don't be afraid to experiment with your own custom blend of veggies and proteins.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating chicken is a crucial step in making Chinese chicken chop suey. It helps to add flavour to the chicken and also tenderizes it. To marinate the chicken, mix boneless skinless chicken breast with salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. You can also add some baking soda to the marinade to help tenderize the chicken further. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Velveting for Tenderness

Velveting is a technique used in Chinese cooking to make the meat tender and juicy. It involves coating the chicken with a mixture of cornstarch, egg white, and vegetable oil before cooking. This helps to protect the chicken from the high heat of the wok and also creates a velvety texture. You can also add some ginger to the velveting mixture for extra flavour.

Stir-Frying Basics

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly over high heat in a wok or frying pan. It is important to use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable oil when stir-frying. To stir-fry the marinated and velveted chicken, heat the wok over high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for a few minutes until it is cooked through. You can also add some chicken broth to the wok to create a sauce.

If you are looking for a variation of this recipe, you can try using seafood instead of chicken. Shrimp or scallops would work well in this recipe. Simply replace the chicken with an equal amount of seafood and follow the same preparation techniques.

Cooking Process and Tips

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To achieve the perfect texture for your chicken chop suey, it is important to slice your chicken into thin, even pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, resulting in tender and juicy meat. You can also use pork or seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, as an alternative to chicken.

When cooking your chicken chop suey, it is important to use a skillet or wok over high heat. This allows you to quickly stir-fry your ingredients, creating a crispy texture and preserving their natural flavours. Be sure to use a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil, to prevent your ingredients from burning.

Balancing Flavours

Balancing flavours is key to making a delicious chicken chop suey. To achieve this, you can use a combination of dark soy sauce, chicken broth, and Shaoxing wine. These ingredients add depth and richness to your dish, while also enhancing the natural flavours of your ingredients.

You can also add sliced onions, sliced mushrooms, and other vegetables such as cauliflower rice or shredded carrots to your chicken chop suey for added texture and nutrition. When adding vegetables, be sure to cook them until they are tender but still slightly crisp, to preserve their natural flavours and nutrients.

To finish off your dish, you can garnish with sliced green onions or cilantro for added freshness and flavour. Serve your chicken chop suey over a bed of rice or noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein, for a complete and satisfying meal.

This chicken chop suey recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish in the comfort of your own home. With its balance of flavours and textures, it's sure to become a favourite in your recipe collection.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments and Pairings

Chicken chop suey is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. A classic pairing is steamed rice or noodles, which complement the flavours of the chop suey and add some texture and bulk to the meal. You can also pair it with other Chinese appetizers, such as crab rangoon, to create a complete Chinese meal.

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can serve chicken chop suey with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a salad. This will add some freshness and crunch to the meal, and help you meet your daily vegetable intake.

For a more indulgent meal, you can pair chicken chop suey with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. The richness of the chop suey pairs well with the bold flavours of the wine or beer, making for a satisfying meal.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure to stir-fry the chop suey in a wok or pan until it is heated through. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months, but note that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing.

If you want to add some variety to your leftovers, you can mix in some cooked seafood, such as shrimp or crab, to create a seafood chop suey. Simply stir-fry the seafood with the leftover chop suey until it is heated through and serve with rice or noodles.

Overall, chicken chop suey is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. With a few simple accompaniments and storage tips, you can enjoy this classic Chinese dish anytime you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a top-notch chicken chop suey?

The secret to a delicious chicken chop suey is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Make sure you use fresh vegetables and tender chicken. Also, do not overcook the vegetables as they should be crispy and retain their texture.

How do you whip up a quick and easy chop suey with chicken?

To make a quick and easy chicken chop suey, slice the chicken into small pieces and stir-fry them with your choice of vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or scallops to your chop suey. Whip up a classic chop suey sauce by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Add the sauce to the pan and stir-fry until everything is coated in the sauce. Serve with steamed rice.

Can you make a proper old-fashioned chop suey at home?

Yes, you can make a proper old-fashioned chop suey at home. The key is to use a variety of vegetables such as celery, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots. You can also add water chestnuts and mushrooms for extra flavour. Use a classic chop suey sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Add the sauce to the pan and stir-fry until everything is coated in the sauce. Serve with steamed rice.

What goes into a classic chop suey sauce?

A classic chop suey sauce is made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. You can also add chicken broth or vegetable broth to thin out the sauce if it is too thick.

How does chicken chop suey differ from chicken chow mein?

Chicken chop suey is a stir-fry dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a sauce. Chicken chow mein, on the other hand, is a Chinese noodle dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood.

What are the typical ingredients found in a chicken chop suey?

The typical ingredients found in a chicken chop suey are chicken, vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers, and a classic chop suey sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or scallops to your chop suey.