Chicken Chop Suey (chinese). Recipe
Chicken Chop Suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that has become a favorite in many households around the world. While its origins are a bit unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th century in San Francisco, where Chinese immigrants adapted their traditional Cantonese stir-fry techniques to suit the ingredients available in the United States. Today, it is a popular dish that showcases the versatility of Chinese cuisine.
Fun Fact: Chop Suey is derived from the Cantonese word "tsap sui," which means "miscellaneous leftovers." It was created by Chinese immigrants who wanted to make use of various leftover ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (assorted colors)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced cabbage
- 1 cup sliced baby corn
- 1 cup sliced snow peas
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
- 1/4 cup sliced bamboo shoots
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and cold water. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken strips to the wok and stir-fry until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, baby corn, snow peas, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the wok. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and serve hot over cooked white rice.
Fun Fact: In traditional Chinese cuisine, Chop Suey is not typically served over rice. However, the American version often includes rice as a staple to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Similar Chinese dishes that you might also enjoy include:
1. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Tender strips of beef marinated in a savory sauce and stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets.
2. Kung Pao Chicken: A spicy chicken dish with peanuts and vegetables, usually made with dried red chili peppers for heat.
3. Sweet and Sour Pork: Crispy pork pieces glazed with a tangy and sweet sauce, typically accompanied by bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks.
4. General Tso's Chicken: Deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, often served with steamed broccoli.
5. Mongolian Beef: Sliced beef stir-fried with green onions and garlic in a rich and savory sauce.
Whether you decide to try Chicken Chop Suey or explore these other delightful Chinese dishes, they all showcase the vibrant flavors and varied cooking techniques that make Chinese cuisine so beloved worldwide. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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