Grab For Eats There’s something truly irresistible about the savory goodness of a Beef Chop Suey Recipe—it’s a takeout favorite that satisfies every time. From the sizzle of seared beef to the medley of crisp vegetables and the rich, umami-packed soy-based sauce, this dish brings comfort and flavor to the table fast. Ready in just 30 minutes, this homemade version is not only quicker than delivery, but also packed with wholesome, fresh ingredients and customizable to your taste.
Chop Suey Recipe History & Origins
Chop suey, which roughly translates to “mixed pieces” in Cantonese, is a stir-fried dish made with meat, eggs, and vegetables, all tossed in a savory, soy-based sauce. Contrary to popular belief, chop suey is not traditionally Chinese but rather a Chinese-American creation. The dish is believed to have originated in the late 1800s by Chinese immigrants in California, designed to suit Western palates while still drawing from traditional Chinese cooking methods.
Chop suey quickly gained popularity across the U.S., especially in Chinese-American restaurants. Today, it’s a comfort food staple in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Southeast Asia like the Philippines, where variations using pork and liver are beloved.
Variations of Chop Suey
Chop suey is endlessly adaptable, which makes it a favorite in many households. Here are some other popular types:
- Chicken Chop Suey: A lean and tender option using chicken breast or thighs.
- Pork Chop Suey: Rich and flavorful, especially when using pork shoulder.
- Shrimp Chop Suey: Light and slightly sweet, perfect for seafood lovers.
- Vegetarian Chop Suey: Made with tofu, mushrooms, and a variety of veggies—delicious and vegan-friendly!
- Poor Man’s Chop Suey: A budget-friendly version made with ground beef and simple vegetables. Check out the Poor Man’s Chop Suey Recipe here
What is Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce is a salty, umami-rich condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It’s a cornerstone of Asian cuisine and adds depth and complexity to dishes like beef chop suey.
Types of Soy Sauce:
- Light Soy Sauce: Salty and thin, ideal for seasoning and marinades.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Thicker and slightly sweet; adds color and richness.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: A heart-healthy alternative with less salt.
- Tamari: A gluten-free option, slightly thicker and less salty than traditional soy sauce.
Know Your Ingredients in the Beef Chop Suey Recipe (with Health Benefits)
Each ingredient in the Beef Chop Suey Recipe isn’t just flavorful—it brings its own health perks:
- Beef (2 lbs stew meat): High in iron and protein, perfect for energy and muscle repair.
Fun Fact: Grass-fed beef contains more omega-3s than grain-fed! - White Onion: Adds depth and a mild sweetness; rich in antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Onions may help lower cholesterol! - Celery (3 stalks): Low in calories and packed with vitamins A and K.
Fun Fact: Celery was once used as medicine in ancient Greece! - Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp): Helps retain flavor and moisture in stir-frying.
Fun Fact: Oils like canola are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. - Soy Sauce (⅓ cup): Provides a salty-savory kick with essential amino acids.
- Molasses (1 tbsp): Deep, sweet flavor and a source of iron and calcium.
Fun Fact: Blackstrap molasses is often taken as a supplement! - Bean Sprouts (14 oz): Crunchy texture and packed with vitamin C.
- Water Chestnuts (8 oz): Mild flavor, high in fiber, and naturally crunchy.
- Cornstarch (5 tbsp): Thickens the sauce without changing flavor.
- Water (8½ cups): Helps blend the sauce and tenderize the beef.
Utensils Needed for the Beef Chop Suey Recipe
To make this recipe a breeze, gather the following:
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Small bowl (for mixing cornstarch)
How to Make Beef Chop Suey Recipe
Making the perfect Beef Chop Suey Recipe at home is easier than you think! Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brown 2 lbs of beef stew meat evenly.
- Add the Aromatics: Add chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until slightly soft.
- Pour in Flavors: Stir in ⅓ cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp molasses, and 8½ cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Low and Slow: Reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
- Toss in the Veggies: Add 14 oz of bean sprouts and 8 oz of drained water chestnuts.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix 5 tbsp cornstarch with some water and stir into the pan. Increase heat to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot with rice or noodles!
Pairing Ideas for the Beef Chop Suey Recipe
Enjoy your Beef Chop Suey Recipe with these tasty pairings:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic base—fluffy and perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Chow Mein Noodles: For a crispy texture contrast.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy, golden, and packed with veggies or meat.
- Hot & Sour Soup: Adds spice and tang to round out your meal.
- Green Tea or Jasmine Tea: Cleanse your palate with something light.
- Lemon Water or Sparkling Water with Lime: Helps cut the richness of the dish.
Special Occasions for the Beef Chop Suey Recipe
This dish is versatile and works well for:
- Chinese New Year
- Lunar Festival
- Weeknight family dinners
- Birthday celebrations
- Potluck gatherings
- Comfort food Sundays
How To Make A Simple, Flavor-Packed Beef Chop Suey Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for mixing cornstarch
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 white onion
- 3 stalks celery
- 8½ cups water
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp beaded molasses
- 14 oz bean sprouts
- 8 oz water chestnuts
- 5 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brown 2 lbs of beef stew meat evenly.
- Add the Aromatics: Add chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until slightly soft.
- Pour in Flavors: Stir in ⅓ cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp molasses, and 8½ cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Low and Slow: Reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
- Toss in the Veggies: Add 14 oz of bean sprouts and 8 oz of drained water chestnuts.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix 5 tbsp cornstarch with some water (½ oz) and stir into the pan. Increase heat to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot with rice or noodles!
Tips
- Use a hot skillet to sear the beef for better flavor.
- Cut all veggies evenly so they cook consistently.
- Prepare all ingredients in advance—stir-fry moves fast!
- For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or grated ginger.
- Swap beef for tofu or chicken for a variation.
- Add chili flakes for some heat or pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
Nutrition
How to Store the Beef Chop Suey Recipe
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Chop Suey Recipe
This Beef Chop Suey Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an easy, satisfying dish that brings bold flavors and rich history to your plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or recreating a takeout classic at home, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s fast, flexible, flavorful, and full of feel-good nostalgia. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a beloved favorite across generations!
