Beef chop suey is a flavorful, satisfying dish that has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. This versatile stir-fry is packed with tender beef and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to impress your family, beef chop suey is a great choice. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this classic dish and show you how to get the recipe to enjoy it anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a delicious beef chop suey, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients and some basic pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef: Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works best. The key is to slice the beef against the grain for tender results.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, celery, and bean sprouts add color and crunch. Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas or water chestnuts.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger are essential for building depth of flavor.
- Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil creates a rich, savory base. You may also need cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying.
Preparation Steps
- Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the beef thinly and evenly to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Mince the garlic and ginger, and measure out your sauces and cornstarch. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.
- Marinate the Beef
For added flavor, marinate the sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, a bit of cornstarch, and a splash of sesame oil. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for the best results.
- Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Allow it to sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to get a nice brown color. Then, stir-fry the beef until it’s cooked through and browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the vegetables, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook, such as carrots and celery. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in your sauce mixture, which includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of water. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes. If the sauce is too thin, dissolve a bit of cornstarch in water and add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Your beef chop suey is now ready to serve! Enjoy it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce is sure to be a hit.
To make this delicious beef chop suey at home, you can get the recipe. This resource provides detailed instructions and additional tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
With this simple guide, you can enjoy the classic flavors of beef chop suey without needing to visit a restaurant. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and savor a homemade meal that brings the taste of Chinese-American cuisine right to your table.
