Beef chop suey is a classic dish that represents the best of Chinese-American cuisine. It is a flavorful stir-fry made with tender beef, an array of colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce that brings it all together. Although chop suey’s exact origins are a bit unclear, the dish has become a staple in Chinese-American restaurants and is a beloved comfort food for many. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, ingredients, and step-by-step process of making beef chop suey from scratch. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced foodie, this guide will help you create a delicious, healthy, and satisfying beef chop suey dish right in your own kitchen.
The History and Origins of Chop Suey
Chop suey is a dish that has an interesting and somewhat debated history. It is often considered a Chinese-American dish, but it’s not widely recognized in traditional Chinese cuisine. The term “chop suey” itself is derived from the Cantonese phrase “tsap seui,” which means “mixed pieces” or “odds and ends.” This name reflects the dish’s origins as a hodgepodge of leftover ingredients, often cooked together to create a flavorful, filling meal.
The dish is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the United States during the 19th century, particularly in the San Francisco area. It is thought that chop suey was developed as a way to use whatever ingredients were available, adapting traditional Chinese cooking techniques to American tastes and local ingredients. Over time, chop suey gained popularity and became a favorite in Chinese-American restaurants, with variations such as beef chop suey, chicken chop suey, and vegetarian chop suey.
While chop suey may not be a traditional Chinese dish, it reflects the fusion of Chinese culinary techniques and American ingredients. Today, beef chop suey remains a popular choice for home cooks and restaurant-goers alike, cherished for its hearty flavors, simple ingredients, and versatility.
The Key Ingredients in Beef Chop Suey
The beauty of beef chop suey lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The dish typically consists of tender strips of beef stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and water chestnuts, in a savory sauce. Here are the key ingredients that make up the traditional beef chop suey:
Beef
Beef is the star of beef chop suey. The beef is usually cut into thin strips to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. For the best results, use a tender cut of beef, such as flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. These cuts are flavorful and easy to slice thinly. The beef is marinated in a simple sauce to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Vegetables
Chop suey is all about the vegetables. A variety of colorful vegetables are stir-fried together to create a delicious and nutritious dish. Common vegetables used in beef chop suey include:
- Bell peppers (red, green, yellow) for color and crunch
- Carrots for sweetness and texture
- Onions for savory depth
- Snow peas or sugar snap peas for a crisp texture
- Bamboo shoots and water chestnuts for added crunch and flavor
You can adjust the types of vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available. The key is to include a mix of textures and flavors that complement the beef and sauce.
Sauce
The sauce is what ties the entire dish together. A flavorful, savory sauce is essential to beef chop suey, and it typically consists of the following ingredients:
Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami flavor base of the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, giving it a slightly sweet and savory flavor.
Chicken broth or beef broth: Adds a savory liquid to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy texture that clings to the beef and vegetables.
Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor and depth to the sauce.
Ginger: A key ingredient in Chinese cooking, ginger adds a zesty, spicy kick to the sauce.
Sesame oil: Used for its nutty aroma, sesame oil adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
Together, these ingredients create a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed sauce that coats the beef and vegetables perfectly.
Additional Flavorings
In addition to the main sauce ingredients, beef chop suey often includes a few extra flavorings to elevate the dish. These might include:
Rice vinegar or shaoxing wine: Adds acidity and a subtle depth of flavor.
Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish.
Garnish
Once the dish is prepared, it’s often garnished with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions to add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Beef Chop Suey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making beef chop suey at home. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients for Beef Chop Suey
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating the beef)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinating the beef)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by slicing the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. This will ensure that the beef is tender and cooks quickly. Once the beef is sliced, place it in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss the beef in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The cornstarch will help tenderize the beef and give it a silky texture when cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion, bell pepper, and carrot into thin strips. Trim the snow peas or sugar snap peas and slice the water chestnuts and bamboo shoots (if using). Grate the ginger and mince the garlic. Have all the vegetables ready to go before you start stir-frying.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar (if using). Set the sauce mixture aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Let the beef cook for 1–2 minutes without stirring to allow it to sear. After that, stir-fry the beef for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and snow peas (or sugar snap peas) to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 6: Combine the Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the beef chop suey is ready, serve it hot with steamed rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations for Beef Chop Suey
Use Tender Cuts of Beef
For the best results, choose tender cuts of beef, such as flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. These cuts are not only flavorful but also easy to slice thinly, ensuring a quick cook time and a tender texture.
Customize the Vegetables
While bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas are the most common vegetables used in beef chop suey, feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, and bok choy are all excellent additions.
Make It Spicy
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a fresh chili pepper to the sauce. This will add a spicy kick to the dish that complements the savory flavors.
Add More Protein
For a heartier meal, you can add more protein, such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu, to the dish. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is cooked through.
Make It Gluten-Free
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Beef chop suey is a delicious, hearty dish that is packed with flavor and texture. By following this simple recipe, you can create a satisfying meal that is full of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, beef chop suey is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, fire up the wok, and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of homemade beef chop suey!
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