Sarah Brown
Chop suey is a stir-fry dish that can be served as a main or side dish for lunch or dinner. It is usually made with vegetables like bean sprouts, celery, carrots, and mushrooms, but can also include meat like chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork. The dish is versatile and can be adapted to include a variety of ingredients. For example, tofu and shiitake mushrooms can be used to make a vegan version, while chicken and beef can be added for a more substantial meal. The dish is typically cooked in a wok or frying pan and is known for its quick and easy preparation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main or side dish |
| Cuisine | Chinese |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, bean sprouts, celery, carrots, green onions, chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, tofu, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, baby corn, chicken broth, soy sauce, sherry, flour, vegetable stock, cornstarch, noodles, onion, garlic, ginger, cane juice, olive oil, oyster mushrooms, red or yellow bell pepper, bok choy, scallions, sesame oil, sriracha |
| Variants | Vegetarian, Vegan, Chicken, Beef |
| Preparation Time | Quick and easy |
| Nutritional Benefits | Good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K |
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What You'll Learn
Chop suey is a versatile side dish
The versatility of chop suey lies in its ability to be paired with various proteins and vegetables. It can be made vegetarian or vegan by using tofu or mushrooms as the main protein source, or it can be adapted to include meat such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork. The choice of vegetables is also flexible, with common options including celery, carrots, bean sprouts, and mushrooms, but also others like broccoli, cabbage, snap peas, cauliflower, bell peppers, and baby corn. This flexibility allows individuals to customize the dish according to their preferences or seasonal vegetable availability.
The sauce in chop suey is another element that contributes to its versatility. While a light vegetable stock or a combination of soy sauce, flour, and broth are commonly used, cooks can experiment with different sauces to create unique flavors. For example, hoisin sauce or tamari can be added for an Asian influence, or Sriracha and sesame oil can be included for a spicier kick.
Chop suey is not only versatile in its ingredients but also in its serving options. It can be served as a side dish or a main course, paired with steamed rice, grilled meat, or fried fish for a more substantial meal. It is a convenient dish for leftovers, as it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in a pan or microwave. However, it is not recommended for freezing due to the vegetables' tendency to turn mushy.
The preparation and cooking techniques used for chop suey also showcase its versatility. While stir-frying is a common method, some recipes call for blanching the vegetables before stir-frying to enhance their texture, color, and nutrient retention. Additionally, the protein source may require separate preparation, such as frying chicken or beef before adding it to the vegetable mixture.
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It can be made with tofu and shiitake mushrooms
Chop suey is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main or side dish for lunch or dinner. It is a simple and quick dish to make, primarily consisting of vegetables, making it a cheap meal option.
Chop suey with tofu and shiitake mushrooms is a tasty and nutritious vegan stir-fry. The shiitake mushrooms and tofu provide a good source of protein, making it a satisfying and healthy meal option. This version of chop suey typically includes a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, but you can feel free to add or swap in your favourite veggies, like snap peas, cauliflower, bell peppers, or baby corn.
To prepare the tofu, it is important to remove the excess moisture. This can be done by draining the tofu from its packing liquid and wrapping it in paper towels. Weighing it down with a saucer for about 15 to 20 minutes can help extract the moisture effectively. Once the tofu is dry, cut it into 1-inch cubes.
The shiitake mushrooms require some preparation as well. Soak the mushrooms in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes to soften them. After soaking, gently squeeze the mushrooms to extract the liquid, which can be reserved for use in the sauce. Don't forget to trim the mushroom stems and cut the caps in half before adding them to your stir-fry.
To blanch the vegetables, bring a saucepan of water to a boil and add the veggies, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they are halfway done. Prepare a bowl of iced water, adding salt to taste. Remove the vegetables from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into the iced water to halt the cooking process and preserve their texture, colour, and nutrients.
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Add the tofu in batches and cook until golden and crisp, stirring as needed. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil. In the same pan, add the blanched vegetables, fried tofu, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir everything together and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as it doesn't freeze well due to the vegetables turning mushy. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a pan or microwave when needed.
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It can be adapted with meat, e.g. beef, chicken
Chop suey is a versatile dish that can be adapted with different types of meat, such as beef, chicken, or pork. It is a quick and easy stir-fry that can be made with a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and delicious option for any meal.
When adding meat to mushroom chop suey, you can use sliced or cubed beef or chicken breasts or thighs. For example, to make chicken mushroom chop suey, you would start by frying the chicken in a wok or deep frying pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it is cooked through and golden brown. While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the noodles by boiling them for 3 minutes and setting them aside.
After removing the chicken from the pan, shred it with two forks and set it aside. In the same pan, stir-fry the onions for 5 minutes until they are golden brown, and then add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 5 minutes. You can use any type of mushroom, such as button, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, depending on your preference.
Once the vegetables are tender, you can add the sauce, which is a combination of tamari and hoisin sauce, or a mixture of broth, soy sauce, sherry, and flour. Stir the ingredients together until the sauce thickens, and then add the cooked meat back into the pan and toss to coat it in the sauce.
The beauty of chop suey is its adaptability; you can use whatever vegetables and proteins you have on hand. For a heartier meal, serve it with steamed rice, grilled meat, or fried fish. It is a dish that is simple to prepare and can be made with inexpensive ingredients, making it a great option for a quick and tasty meal.
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It's a quick and easy dish to make
Mushroom chop suey is a quick and easy dish to make. It's a stir-fry packed with vegetables and a variety of proteins of your choice. The dish is versatile and can be served as a main or side dish for lunch or dinner. It can be paired with steamed rice, grilled meat, or fried fish for a hearty meal.
The main ingredients in mushroom chop suey are mushrooms, bean sprouts, celery, carrots, and green onions. You can use any type of mushroom, such as button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms. The dish can also be adapted to include meat, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork.
To make mushroom chop suey, start by heating oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the celery, carrot, garlic, and ginger, if using, and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the mushrooms and bell peppers, if using, and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Next, whisk together the remaining ingredients to make the sauce. Pour the sauce into the wok or frying pan and toss with the vegetables. Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens. For a vegan or vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with tofu and use vegetable stock as the base for the sauce.
Chop suey is a simple and quick dish to prepare, as it is primarily made with vegetables and other easily accessible ingredients. It is a nutritious and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
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It's nutritious and healthy
Mushroom chop suey is a nutritious and healthy dish for several reasons. Firstly, it is primarily made with vegetables, which are excellent sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. The specific types of vegetables used in mushroom chop suey vary depending on personal preference and availability, but commonly include mushrooms, bean sprouts, celery, carrots, green onions, broccoli, cabbage, and garlic. This variety of vegetables provides a wide range of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fibre, which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy diet and promoting overall well-being.
Mushrooms, the star ingredient of this dish, are a good source of B vitamins, such as riboflavin and niacin, which are important for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system function. They also contain selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties that can boost immune function and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The preparation and cooking methods used in mushroom chop suey also contribute to its nutritional value. Blanching the vegetables before stir-frying helps maintain their texture, colour, and nutritional content. This technique involves briefly cooking the vegetables in boiling water and then plunging them into iced water to stop the cooking process, preserving their crispness and colour while retaining their nutrients.
Additionally, mushroom chop suey is often served with other healthy ingredients, such as steamed rice, grilled meat, or fried fish, providing a well-rounded and nutritious meal. The versatility of the dish allows for the inclusion of various proteins and vegetables to cater to different dietary preferences and requirements.
The combination of nutrient-rich vegetables, healthy preparation methods, and versatility in serving options makes mushroom chop suey a delicious and nutritious choice for a healthy lifestyle. It is a simple and quick dish that can be easily adapted to suit individual tastes and dietary needs while providing a good source of essential nutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom chop suey is a stir-fry dish that typically includes mushrooms, vegetables, and a protein source. It is often served as a side dish but can also be a main course.
The vegetables used in mushroom chop suey can vary, but typically include bean sprouts, celery, carrots, green onions, and garlic. Other vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, and baby corn can also be added.
Mushroom chop suey can be made with a variety of proteins, including tofu, chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork. It can also be made without any meat, providing a vegetarian or vegan option.
The sauce for mushroom chop suey is typically made by combining ingredients such as vegetable stock, cornstarch, broth, soy sauce, and seasonings. These ingredients are whisked together and added to the stir-fried vegetables and protein to create a flavorful dish.
Mushroom chop suey is known for being a quick and easy dish to prepare. The total time, including preparation and cooking, typically ranges from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. This makes it a convenient option for a tasty and nutritious meal.
