Looking for a quick and easy recipe that is also healthy and fulfilling? Look no further because today, we've got you covered with this deliciously quick beef chop suey recipe. Just 15 minutes is all you will need to prepare this dish packed full of veggies and protein.
Whether you need a meal in a hurry or just want a simple meal to prepare without much hassle, this authentic beef chops suey is just the ticket. So keep reading as we guide you through all the tips and tricks to make this delicious and nutritious beef chop suey recipe.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
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Why This Recipe Works
Beyond its deliciousness, this authentic beef chop suey recipe is also great for a variety of reasons.
To begin with, you will love how quick and easy this homemade beef chop suey is. In less than 15 minutes, you will have a delicious and healthy meal, hot and ready to eat. So whether you are running late and need a meal in a hurry or are simply feeling too lazy to spend hours in the kitchen, this beef chop suey recipe is just the ticket to creating an impressive meal in a short amount of time.
Additionally, this recipe works because it is so adaptable. Whatever your taste preferences are, there are a variety of ways you can adjust this recipe to make it work for you. Want to make it vegan? Omit the beef and add more of your favorite veggies. Maybe you want to change the beef for a different protein, in which case you can add chicken, pork, or even tofu to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Oil:
For beef chop suey, it's best to use oils with high smoke points suitable for stir-frying. Peanut oil, sesame oil, or vegetable oil are commonly used due to their neutral flavors and ability to withstand high temperatures without burning. Avoid oils with low smoke points, like olive oil, which can impart undesirable flavors when subjected to high heat.
Beef Strips:
When selecting beef for chop suey, opt for tender cuts suitable for quick stir-frying. Flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin are ideal choices due to their tenderness and ability to cook quickly over high heat. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness. Additionally, consider marinating the beef beforehand to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
For a simple marinade, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl. Combine the marinade with your thinly sliced beef, ensuring it's completely coated, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
You can also use leftover cooked beef, such as roast beef or steak, thinly sliced, for a quicker preparation.
Vegetables:
While this beef chop suey recipe contains peppers, onion, and bean sprouts, this is a highly versatile dish that can incorporate a variety of other vegetables. Mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and snow peas are all tasty and healthy options to add to your variation of this Chinese beef stir fry. To save some time and effort in the kitchen, frozen vegetables can also be used to create this quick beef chop suey. However, frozen vegetables will often release more water into the stir fry so adjustments may need to be made to consistency of the sauce or the vegetables themselves as they cook.
Sauce:
The beef chop suey sauce is a crucial component that adds depth and flavor to the dish. Alongside soy sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth, you can enhance the sauce's flavor with additional ingredients like oyster sauce for a savory umami richness, hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness and complexity, or a splash of rice vinegar for acidity. Alternatively, you can incorporate aromatics such as minced garlic, ginger, or chili paste for added depth and heat.
How to Make Beef Chop Suey
Step One:
Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat.
Step Two:
Once hot, add your beef strips and cook until browned. Approximately 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step Three:
Add the peppers and onions to the hot skillet to sautee for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and slightly opaque.
Step Four:
Meanwhile, combine cornstarch and soy sauce In a small bowl to make a roux, then stir in the beef broth. Set aside.
Step Five:
Add your beef back into the wok with the cooked veggies. Mix in the bean sprouts, then slowly stir in the beef broth mixture.
Step Six:
Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
Step Seven:
Serve in bowls, and enjoy!
Tips
- Pay attention to the consistency of your sauce. It should be thick enough to coat the beef and vegetables evenly but not too thick that it becomes gloopy. You can add more cornstarch to thicken your sauce or more beef broth to thin it out.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning of the dish before serving. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, a splash of rice vinegar for acidity, or a sprinkle of sugar to balance the flavors.
What to Serve With Beef Chop Suey
This homemade beef chop suey pairs well with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Common accompaniments include steamed basmati or brown rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. For added freshness and texture, consider serving it with a crunchy, light cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Additionally, you can serve it alongside stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas to add more color and nutritional value to the meal.
FAQs
Can I make this easy beef chop suey without a wok?
While a wok is traditionally used for stir-frying, you can also use a large skillet or frying pan to make this classic beef chop suey recipe. Just make sure it's large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
Is this beef chop suey recipe gluten-free? Vegan?
This beef chop suey recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring other ingredients are free from gluten. However, it's not vegan as it contains beef and beef broth. You can make a vegan chop suey by substituting the beef for some tofu, tempeh, a plant-based meat alternative, or loading up on extra veggies. The beef broth can also be swapped with vegetable broth for a vegan spin.
How long can leftover beef chop suey be kept fresh?
Leftover beef chop suey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
More Chinese Food Recipes
Are you craving the flavors of Asia? You don't need a 16-hour flight to get your fill. Simply check out this collection of more Chinese food recipes.
Beef Chop Suey
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 16 ounces beef strips
- ½ green bell pepper sliced
- ½ red bell pepper sliced
- ½ white onion sliced
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup bean sprouts
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add your beef strips and cook until browned. Approximately 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Add the peppers and onions to the hot skillet to sautee for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and slightly opaque.
- Meanwhile, combine cornstarch and soy sauce In a small bowl to make a roux, then stir in the beef broth. Set aside.
- Add your beef back into the wok with the cooked veggies. Mix in the bean sprouts, then slowly stir in the beef broth mixture.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂
Video
Notes
- Pay attention to the consistency of your sauce. It should be thick enough to coat the beef and vegetables evenly but not too thick that it becomes gloopy. You can add more cornstarch to thicken your sauce or more beef broth to thin it out.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning of the dish before serving. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, a splash of rice vinegar for acidity, or a sprinkle of sugar to balance the flavors.