Chop Suey Stir-Fry (Printable)
A quick and satisfying Chinese-American stir-fry with tender meat, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 10 oz boneless chicken breast or pork, thinly sliced (or substitute with firm tofu for vegetarian option)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, sliced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
04 - 1 cup bean sprouts
05 - 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
06 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
07 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
08 - 3.5 oz mushrooms, sliced
→ Aromatics
09 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
→ Sauce
11 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
13 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
14 - 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
15 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
16 - 2/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
→ Oil & Seasonings
17 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How-to Steps:
01 - Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, rice wine, sesame oil, and broth in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken (or pork/tofu), season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
03 - Add remaining oil to the wok. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
05 - Stir in mushrooms and cabbage. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
06 - Return cooked meat (or tofu) to the pan. Pour in prepared sauce and toss to combine.
07 - Add bean sprouts and stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- Everything happens in one pan, so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- The sauce comes together in seconds but tastes like it simmered for hours
- You can swap proteins and vegetables based on what is in your crisper drawer
02 -
- Have all ingredients prepped before you turn on the stove, stir frying moves fast
- Crowding the pan will steam your vegetables instead of stir frying them
- The sauce continues to thicken off the heat, so do not overcook it
03 -
- Slice your meat while it is slightly frozen for easier, more uniform cuts
- If your sauce is too thick, add broth one tablespoon at a time
- A hot wok is essential, so let it heat up fully before adding ingredients