Chop Suey Stir Fry
Nothing quite compares to the vibrant, flavorful experience of a homemade stir-fry, and this Chop Suey Stir Fry is no exception. With its tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce that packs a punch, this dish can elevate your dinner table in no time. Not only is it a quick and easy meal to prepare, but it also allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. So, let’s dive into the wonder of Chop Suey Stir Fry!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Chop Suey Stir Fry is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan for several reasons. First, it’s an incredibly versatile dish. You can tailor it to your family’s tastes by swapping in different proteins, vegetables, or sauces. Second, it’s a one-pan meal that makes cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights. Finally, this stir-fry is both satisfying and nutritious, ensuring you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients while enjoying bold flavors that excite the palate.
Ingredient Notes
To create the perfect Chop Suey Stir Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast (boneless and skinless, thinly sliced): A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- 1 egg white: This helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a glossy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: High smoke point oil for stir-frying.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives the dish a fragrant base.
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 medium bell pepper (sliced in strips): Provides a crunchy texture and color.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, snow peas, broccoli, or baby corn, bite-sized): Fresh veggies add nutrients and vibrancy.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium): The main flavoring agent for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory flavor; feel free to replace it with mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning to enhance the flavors.
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added): Adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 4 tablespoons of water): Used to thicken the sauce at the end.
Essential Tools for Success
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools:
- Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying due to its high sides and heat retention.
- Sharp knife: For efficiently slicing chicken and vegetables.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for tossing and mixing ingredients while cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient amounts.
- Mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken and mixing sauces.
Chop Suey Stir Fry, Made Easy
Follow these simple steps to whip up your delicious Chop Suey Stir Fry.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast, egg white, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, slice the onion and bell pepper, and chop your mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside, ready for stir-frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to create a nice sear.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes without stirring to allow it to brown. Then, use a spatula to stir and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the sliced bell pepper and mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 7: Create the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 8: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce in the pan. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 9: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir well to coat everything with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Chop Suey Stir Fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy the colorful, flavorful dish that you’ve created!
Dietary Customizations
This Chop Suey Stir Fry is highly adaptable and can accommodate various dietary preferences:
- Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and replace oyster sauce with a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Add-ins: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bok choy.
Errors to Dodge
To ensure your Chop Suey Stir Fry turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much at once can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying. Do it in batches if necessary.
- Not Prepping Ingredients: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before starting. Stir-frying is a quick process!
- Using Cold Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect sear.
- Skipping the Marinade: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and texture—don’t skip this step!
Freezer-Friendly Notes
Chop Suey Stir Fry is a great candidate for meal prep and freezing:
You can prepare the stir-fry and let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can freeze the marinated chicken separately and cook it straight from frozen, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Ask the Chef
Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a great time-saver and work wonderfully in this dish. Just be sure to add them to the pan while they’re still frozen and give them a little extra time to cook through.
What can I serve with Chop Suey Stir Fry?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Of course! If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also serve it with chili sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Try These Next
- Everything Stir Fry Sauce: Enhance any stir-fry with this versatile sauce.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: A delightful way to use leftover shrimp and rice.
Save & Share
If you love this Chop Suey Stir Fry, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Cooking is always more fun when you can enjoy it together. Snap a photo of your dish and tag your favorite food blogger or share the recipe with your social media followers. Happy cooking!
This Chop Suey Stir Fry is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful journey of flavors and textures that come together in harmony. It’s quick, adaptable, and oh-so-satisfying. So why wait? Get your ingredients ready and experience the culinary joy of this easy, delicious stir-fry today!
Chop Suey Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast, egg white, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well and marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Slice the onion and bell pepper, and chop your mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes without stirring, then stir until fully cooked.
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Pour over the sautéed vegetables and bring to a simmer.
- Stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce and continue stirring until thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir well to coat everything with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve your Chop Suey Stir Fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite proteins or vegetables.
- For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for tofu and use a plant-based oyster sauce.
- This dish is freezer-friendly; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
