Dive into the savory world of Beef Chop Suey, a classic Chinese-American dish that brings together tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a delectable sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty and satisfying meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious stir-fry that will impress your family and friends. Let’s explore how to create this mouthwatering dish, along with tips, variations, and answers to your frequently asked questions!
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or mirin
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Rest of the Dish:
- 1-1 ¼ lbs beef steak, cut into thin bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, cut into half-moon slices
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms or white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups snow peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, rice wine or mirin, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Coat the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, toss the beef pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Sear the Beef:
- Add the coated beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the snow peas, minced garlic, and water chestnuts. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the snow peas are bright green and tender.
- Combine with Beef:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and Thicken:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Serve Hot:
- Remove from heat and serve the Beef Chop Suey hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn.
- Spice it Up:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
- Swap the Protein:
- Substitute the beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Gluten-Free:
- Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use other cuts of beef? A: Yes, you can use other cuts such as flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While Beef Chop Suey is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Stir-fry everything together just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make a keto-friendly version of this dish? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version by omitting the cornstarch and using low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and bell peppers. Serve over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.
Beef Chop Suey is a delightful stir-fry dish that combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its versatile nature and simple preparation, it’s a great recipe to have in your repertoire for quick and delicious dinners. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and vibrant colors.
More Tips and Tricks:
- Add Crunchy Toppings:
- Sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with Egg Rolls:
- Pair Beef Chop Suey with homemade or store-bought egg rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
- Experiment with Sauces:
- Customize the sauce to your taste by adding a splash of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili garlic sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Share the Recipe:
- Share this recipe with friends and family and spread the joy of homemade Beef Chop Suey. It’s sure to become a favorite in no time!
