The Ultimate Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food

A Taste of Nostalgia: The Allure of Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey

Chop suey, a dish synonymous with American comfort food, has a rich history that spans over a century. The origins of this beloved classic date back to the late 19th century, when Chinese immigrants introduced their stir-fry techniques to the United States.

Over time, chop suey evolved to become an American staple, with the addition of beef, onions, and bell peppers. The dish gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the Midwest, where it became a staple of family gatherings and community events.

• Beef chop suey’s hearty, comforting flavor profile has made it a favorite among Americans for generations.
• The dish’s versatility has allowed it to adapt to various regional tastes and cooking styles, from traditional to modern twists.
• As a symbol of American cultural exchange, beef chop suey continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reminding us of simpler times and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.

With its rich history and enduring appeal, it’s no wonder that old-fashioned beef chop suey remains a treasured classic in American cuisine.

Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe

This classic Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe is a staple of comfort food, made with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. To get started, gather the following ingredients: 500 g / 1.1 lb beef strips, 2 medium onions, 2 cloves of garlic, 240 g / 1 cup mixed vegetables, 60 ml / 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 30 ml / 2 tablespoons oyster sauce.

The instructions are straightforward: cook the beef in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat (200°C / 400°F) until browned, then set aside. Next, sauté the onions and garlic until softened, followed by the mixed vegetables. Combine the cooked beef, vegetables, and sauce, stirring constantly over low heat (150°C / 300°F) for 5-7 minutes.

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Serves: 4-6 people
• Difficulty: Easy

This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With its simple instructions and minimal ingredients, it’s a great option for those looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal. Dive into the full recipe to discover the secrets of this beloved dish.

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Shopping List for Success

Before you embark on this culinary journey, let’s ensure you have all the necessary components for a truly authentic Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey. This shopping list provides a comprehensive guide to the ingredients you’ll need, along with helpful tips on substitutions or sourcing.

• Beef: 500 g / 1.1 lbs (sirloin, flank steak, or chuck roast work well)
• Soy Sauce: 120 ml / ½ cup
• Oyster Sauce: 60 ml / ¼ cup
• Chicken Broth: 240 ml / 1 cup
• Cornstarch: 2 tbsp
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Vegetable Oil: 3 tbsp
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tbsp, minced
• Onion: 1 medium, sliced
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, sliced
• Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
• Snow Peas: 150 g / 1 cup
• Water Chestnuts: 150 g / 1 cup, drained and sliced
• Optional:
• Bamboo Shoots: 150 g / 1 cup, drained and sliced
• Sesame Oil: 1 tsp, for garnish
• Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced, for garnish

Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey

Follow these easy-to-follow steps to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

1. Saute the Aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat (180°C / 356°F) and sauté 1 onion, diced, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced, for 3-4 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef. Add 500g / 1.1 lb beef strips to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side (160°C / 320°F).
3. Add the Vegetables. Add 240g / 1 cup sliced bell peppers and 240g / 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Season and Simmer. Add 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the skillet, then reduce heat to low (140°C / 284°F) and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Finish with Flavor. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over cooked noodles.

For a more tender beef, cook it to 60°C / 140°F internal temperature.

Pro Tips for Elevated Chop Suey: Mastering the Art

To take the Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe to the next level, consider the following expert advice. Selecting the right ingredients is crucial, so opt for tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, and use 240 g / 1 cup of mixed vegetables, including bean sprouts, cabbage, and carrots.

Cooking Techniques and Flavor Tips

• Stir-fry the beef at high heat (200°C / 400°F) to achieve a nice sear, then set aside to prevent overcooking.
• Use a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce (60 ml / 1/4 cup) to add depth and umami flavor to the dish.
• Add aromatics like garlic (3 cloves) and ginger (15 g / 1 tablespoon) to the wok or large skillet for added flavor.

Avoid common pitfalls like overcooking the noodles (cook to al dente, then rinse with cold water) and using low-quality sauces, which can result in a bland and unappetizing dish. By following these pro tips and using the right ingredients, the Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe can be transformed into a mouth-watering, restaurant-quality meal.

Key Takeaway: Balance and harmony are key to a great Chop Suey. Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, and don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of sauce (120 ml / 1/2 cup) to achieve the desired consistency.

Making it Your Own: Substitutions and Variations

This classic Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Protein Swap

For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with 240g (1 cup) of firm tofu, diced. Ensure the tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture before cooking. This will give you a similar texture to the beef.

Vegetable Variety

Get creative with your vegetables! You can add other favorites like sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, or bell peppers. For a spicier kick, include some chopped jalapeños.

Gluten-Free Sauce

The traditional sauce contains soy sauce, which is naturally gluten-free. However, if you prefer a certified gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos as substitutes. Keep in mind that these may have a slightly different flavor profile.

Spice it Up

Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to your liking. For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Chop Suey Variations

Take the classic Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe to the next level with these exciting variations.

• Korean-Style BBQ Beef Chop Suey

  Swap out traditional ground beef for thinly sliced beef short ribs, marinated in a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired BBQ sauce. Add kimchi for an extra kick and serve with steamed bok choy.

  Flavor: Sweet and spicy, with a depth of umami from the short ribs. Time: 30 minutes longer to account for marinating the beef.

• Shrimp and Mushroom Chop Suey

  Add succulent shrimp and earthy mushrooms to the classic recipe, and finish with a drizzle of lemon butter and parsley. This variation is perfect for seafood lovers.

  Flavor: Bright and citrusy, with a rich, savory depth from the mushrooms. Time: 10 minutes longer to account for cooking the shrimp.

• Spicy Sausage and Pepper Chop Suey

  Substitute spicy Italian sausage for ground beef and add bell peppers and onions for added flavor and texture.

  Flavor: Spicy and savory, with a smoky depth from the sausage. Time: 10 minutes longer to account for cooking the sausage.

Storing Your Leftovers: Keeping Chop Suey Delicious

To maintain the freshness and flavor of Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey, proper storage is essential. Cool the dish to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking, then refrigerate or freeze it.

Refrigerator Storage

Transfer the cooled chop suey to an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F or below. Consume the leftovers within 3 to 5 days.

Freezer Storage

• Portion the cooled chop suey into airtight, freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and store them in the freezer at -18°C / 0°F or below.
• Frozen chop suey can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.

Common Issues and Solutions: Conquering Chop Suey Challenges

Even the most seasoned cooks can run into a few bumps in the road when making chop suey. Fear not! Here are some common issues and simple solutions to help you achieve chop suey perfection:

1. Overcooked Vegetables

   The key to vibrant chop suey is crisp-tender vegetables. To prevent overcooking, add them to the wok towards the end of the cooking process, after the beef is browned and the sauce is simmering. Stir-fry them briefly until just tender-crisp.

2. Bland Sauce

   A lackluster sauce can ruin a great chop suey. To ensure a flavorful sauce, don’t skimp on the aromatics. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant before adding the other ingredients. Also, taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. A pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.

With a little attention and these helpful tips, you can overcome any chop suey challenges and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Breakdown: Understanding the Health Profile

This Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe provides a hearty, comforting meal that balances flavor with nutritional value.

• Per serving (serves 4-6):
  • Calories: 420-630 per serving (depending on serving size)
  • Macronutrients: 25g protein, 20g fat, 30g carbohydrates

This recipe is a good source of:

• Vitamins: Vitamin B12 (from beef), Vitamin C (from bell peppers and onions)
• Minerals: Iron (from beef), Zinc (from beef)

However, this recipe is relatively high in saturated fat and sodium due to the beef and soy sauce. It is not suitable for a Vegan diet, but is GF and DF friendly.

Key Takeaways: Mastering the Art of Chop Suey

This Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe delivers a classic comfort food experience. The secret lies in a well-balanced sauce, tender beef, and crisp-tender vegetables.

1. Beef Browning is Key: Searing the beef in a hot pan develops rich flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
2. Master the Sauce: A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing rice wine forms the foundation of the flavorful sauce. A touch of cornstarch slurry adds the perfect thickening.
3. Vegetable Timing: Cook the vegetables in order of their cooking time, ensuring they remain crisp-tender. Start with the harder vegetables like carrots and celery, then add the peas and water chestnuts towards the end.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the beef and vegetables in batches prevents steaming and ensures even browning.

With a little practice and attention to detail, you’ll be making restaurant-quality Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey from the comfort of your own kitchen.

From My Kitchen to Yours: A Personal Note

This Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe has been a staple in my family for generations. As a child, I remember gathering around the dinner table, watching the sizzling beef and vegetables as they danced in the wok, filling our home with the aroma of a true comfort food.

My grandmother used to make this recipe for special occasions, and the memories of those nights still warm my heart. She’d carefully brown the beef, stir-frying it with onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, all while sharing stories of our ancestors and their love for this simple yet satisfying dish.

As I grew older, I took over the responsibility of cooking this beloved recipe, tweaking it to suit my own taste preferences. I’ve since shared it with friends and family, who’ve come to appreciate its hearty, comforting flavors.

My hope is that you’ll enjoy this Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe as much as I have, and that it becomes a cherished tradition in your own family. I’ve included all the details you need to recreate this classic dish, so go ahead, give it a try, and let the memories begin!

Enjoy Your Delicious Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey!

Now that the Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe is complete, it’s time to sit back and savor the flavors. This classic dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich sauce and tender beef, it’s sure to become a favorite.

To enhance the experience, serve the Beef Chop Suey over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The combination of textures and flavors will leave a lasting impression.

As you enjoy this Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey, consider sharing your experience with others. Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the recipe, or connect with us on social media to share your creations. We’d love to see how you make this dish your own!

• Share your favorite variations or substitutions in the comments
• Tag us in your social media posts so we can see your delicious creations
• Join the conversation and connect with fellow food enthusiasts

Warmly invite everyone to try this Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe and discover the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals.