Why You’ll Love This Beef Chop Suey
- Takeout at Home: All the flavors of your favorite Chinese-American dish, made right at home!
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein, it’s a well-balanced meal.
- Quick to Prepare: Perfect for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein.
Tools You’ll Need
- Spatula or tongs: For easy stirring and flipping.
- Large wok or skillet: For stir-frying the ingredients.
- Sharp knife: To slice the beef and vegetables thinly.
- Mixing bowls: For marinating the beef and preparing the sauce.
Beef Chop Suey
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Beef Chop Suey is a delightful blend of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that brings everything together. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a special treat for family dinners. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s a meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup snow peas or green beans
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (extra for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef slices, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
- Toss to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed.
- Stir-fry the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the carrots, celery, and snow peas, and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Toss in the mushrooms, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce into the wok and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the wok and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor if desired.
Notes
- Slice Thin: Cut the beef thinly against the grain for tender, flavorful bites.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables before you start cooking to keep things moving quickly.
- Control the Crunch: Adjust the cooking time of the vegetables based on your preferred level of doneness.
- Sauce Variation: For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use other proteins instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great substitutes.
Q2: Is Chop Suey the same as Lo Mein?
No, Chop Suey is a stir-fry served with rice or noodles, while Lo Mein features noodles mixed directly into the dish.
Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to adapt the recipe.
Conclusion: A Stir-Fry Favorite
This Beef Chop Suey is a versatile, delicious meal that brings bold flavors and fresh ingredients to your table. It’s an easy way to enjoy takeout-style comfort food from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy this delightful stir-fry and share the love with your family and friends!