Chop Suey (Chicken Stir Fry) (2024)

FAQs

Is chop suey the same as stir-fry? ›

Chop Suey is just a slightly westernised version of a classic, basic Chinese stir fry.

Chop suey sauce is made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, and water.

Chop suey (usually pronounced /ˈtʃɒpˈsuːi/) is a dish from American Chinese cuisine and other forms of overseas Chinese cuisine, generally consisting of meat (usually chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or fish) and eggs, cooked quickly with vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage and celery.

Chop suey is another stir-fry dish made from meat, eggs, and thinly sliced vegetables in a light sauce. It's often made with pork, although some varieties may contain chicken, beef, or tofu. Like other stir-fries, it's a healthier choice because it's made from a protein source and vegetables.

Both dishes are flavorful and satisfying, but chow mein tends to be lighter and more noodle-focused, while chop suey is heartier and more sauce-focused. When it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you're in the mood for.

Chop suey is a dish you'll see on almost any Chinese takeout menu—but that doesn't mean it comes from China. According to culinary legend, the dish of stir-fried meat, egg, and vegetables was invented on August 29, 1896, in New York City.

Chop Suey will usually contain some kind of meat, whether this is beef, pork, chicken or seafood, an assortment of veggies, sometimes an egg and a thick sauce. This is then served with either noodles or rice, although rice is a more common and popular pairing.

Chinese Chop Suey uses eggs, meat from chicken, fish, beef, prawns, or pork and vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery. At the same time, the American Chop Suey's main ingredients are elbow macaroni, cooked ground beef, sauteed onions, green peppers, and tomato sauce.

In Chinese cooking, proteins like beef, pork or chicken are velveted first before stir-frying them. There are several ways to velvet, but at its most basic level, it involves marinating meat with at least one ingredient that will make it alkaline. This is what tenderizes the meat, especially cheaper, tougher cuts.

Chop suey is an excellent dish for beginners looking to cook Chinese food at home or expert chefs who want to experiment with flavors and ingredients. It is an incredibly versatile meal, and you can substitute out your favorite meats and vegetables with ease, which makes it inexpensive, forgiving, and always delicious.

What is American chop suey called? ›

American chop suey is an American pasta casserole made with ground beef, macaroni and a seasoned tomato sauce, found in the cuisine of New England and other regions of the United States. Outside New England it is sometimes called American goulash or Johnny Marzetti, among other names.

Worst: General Tso's Chicken

Named after a Chinese war hero, this fat-laden dish won't help you win any weight loss battles. The breaded, fried chicken is smothered in a sugary sauce. One order clocks in at around 1,500 calories and 88 grams of fat, and it delivers more sodium than you should get in a day.

Stick with veggie-rich and stir fried shrimp and chicken dishes. Ask for extra broccoli, snow peas and other vegetables. Steer away from entrees that are basically deep-fried meat or chicken in sauce.

Chow mein simply translates to 'stir-fried noodles'. Like chop suey, chow mein has made its way to the West and is enjoyed in many Chinese restaurants as an iconic dish.

American chop suey is an American pasta casserole made with ground beef, macaroni and a seasoned tomato sauce, found in the cuisine of New England and other regions of the United States. Outside New England it is sometimes called American goulash or Johnny Marzetti, among other names.

Stir-fry is a medley of vegetables cooked with garlic and a protein (beef, chicken, pork or seafood) and sometimes will have a sauce. Stir-fry can be served with rice or noodles. If it's noodles, then add some sauce on top, then you've got chow mein. Stir-fry with rice is just that.

Difference between American Chopsuey and Chinese Chopsuey

The American Chopsuey is sweet and sour with a bright orangish-red colour. It is like a one-pot macaroni pasta meal cooked with beef and vegetables in a sweet tomato sauce. Whereas the Chinese Chop Suey is savoury and spicy, served with rice or noodles.