Chop suey

Introduction

Chop suey is a popular Chinese-American dish that has become a staple of many Chinese restaurants in the United States. The dish is a mix of different vegetables, meat, and sauce, and it is usually served over rice or noodles. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, ingredients, and preparation of chop suey.

Chop Suey

History

The exact origin of chop suey is unclear, but it is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the United States in the late 19th century. Some stories suggest that the dish was created by Chinese workers in California who were looking for a way to use up leftover vegetables and meat. Others believe that it was created in New York City by Chinese immigrants who were trying to cater to American tastes.

Regardless of its origins, chop suey quickly became a popular dish in Chinese-American restaurants across the country. In the early 20th century, it was even featured on the menus of some of the most exclusive restaurants in New York City.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in chop suey can vary depending on the recipe and the region where it is prepared. However, most versions of the dish include a mix of vegetables, meat, and sauce. Some of the most common ingredients include:

Meat: chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu Vegetables: bean sprouts, celery, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, and bamboo shoots Sauce: a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, and other spices

Preparation

The preparation of chop suey is relatively simple and involves sautéing the meat and vegetables in a wok or frying pan before adding the sauce. Here is a basic recipe for chop suey:

Ingredients

1 pound of meat (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu) 1 cup of bean sprouts 1 cup of chopped celery 1 cup of sliced carrots 1 cup of shredded cabbage 1 cup of sliced mushrooms 1 cup of sliced onions 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 1/4 cup of soy sauce 1/4 cup of oyster sauce 1 tablespoon of cornstarch 1 cup of chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cut the meat into small pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat and stir-fry until browned. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and meat, and stir until the sauce thickens. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Variations

There are many variations of chop suey, and some recipes include different ingredients or sauces. For example, some versions of chop suey include water chestnuts, bell peppers, or bamboo shoots, while others use a spicy garlic sauce instead of the traditional soy sauce and oyster sauce. Some restaurants even serve chop suey with a fried egg on top.

Conclusion

Chop suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that has become a beloved part of American cuisine. Whether you prefer it with chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu, the dish is a flavorful and satisfying mix of meat, vegetables, and sauce. With its simple preparation and endless variations, chop suey is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences.

See also

Chinese cuisine American Chinese cuisine List of Chinese dishes List of American foods List of foods of the Southern United States

Image attribution

File:Chop Suey.jpg: © Cyclonebill, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons The image is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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