🇺🇸 USA · Food
American Chinese Chop Suey
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
Chop Suey is an iconic American Chinese dish, embodying a stir-fry of various meats like chicken, pork, or shrimp, along with an assortment of crisp vegetables. Bathed in a savory, thickened sauce, it's typically served over rice or crispy noodles, representing a foundational comfort food in American-Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Slice 1 lb of chicken breast (or pork/shrimp) into thin strips. Marinate with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated meat until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- 3
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 stalks of sliced celery, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 can of drained bean sprouts, and 1 can of drained water chestnuts for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- 4
Return the cooked meat to the wok with the vegetables. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- 6
Serve the Chop Suey immediately over steamed white rice or crispy chow mein noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cuts of pork and chicken are best for American Chinese Chop Suey to ensure tenderness?+
For pork, use lean cuts like tenderloin or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces cook quickly and remain tender in a stir-fry.
How can I prevent the vegetables, especially bean sprouts, from becoming soggy in Chop Suey?+
Stir-fry vegetables quickly over high heat, often in batches, to ensure they crisp rather than steam. Add delicate ingredients like bean sprouts only in the last minute of cooking to maintain their crunch.
What is the best way to thicken the sauce for Chop Suey and avoid a watery consistency?+
Use a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water or broth, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue heating until it boils and thickens to your desired consistency.
What's the most common mistake home cooks make when preparing American Chinese Chop Suey?+
A common mistake is not having all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking. Stir-frying is a a very fast process, so ensure all meats are sliced, vegetables chopped, and sauces mixed in advance.
Mundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
