Beef Chop Suey

A delicious Beef Chop Suey is a perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. This recipe features tender pieces of beef, a vibrant mix of vegetables, and a savory sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total cook time of just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty meal in no time.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the dish’s overall taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein from beef and fiber from fresh veggies, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Great for Leftovers: Beef Chop Suey tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the following day.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Perfect for searing meat and sautéing vegetables quickly without overcrowding.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing sauces or tossing ingredients before cooking.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even sauce consistency.

Ingredients

A tasty Beef Chop Suey recipe with bite-size pieces of seared steak, onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, and water chestnuts, all in a mouthwatering easy sauce.

Ingredients:
– ¾ cup low sodium beef broth
– 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice grape juice or rice vinegar
– ½ teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1-1 ¼ lbs beef steak cut in thin bite size pieces
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion cut in half moon slices
– 2 ribs celery chopped
– 2 large carrots chopped
– 8 ounces cremini mushrooms or white button mushrooms sliced
– 1 1/2 cups snow peas
– 2 cloves garlic minced
– 1 8 ounce can water chestnuts, drained

How to Make Beef Chop Suey

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, rice grape juice (or vinegar), sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a separate bowl, toss the beef pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the steak on both sides in batches to avoid crowding. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate or bowl and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

If necessary, add more vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and other vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in snow peas during the last minute of cooking for added freshness.

Step 4: Combine Garlic and Water Chestnuts

Reduce heat to low; add minced garlic and water chestnuts to the skillet. Cook for about one minute until fragrant. Move cooked veggies onto the plate with beef.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce & Combine Ingredients

Whisk the sauce once again before adding it back into the skillet over medium heat. Bring to a low boil while whisking frequently until thickened. Add cooked vegetables and beef back into the skillet; toss everything to coat well in the sauce. For best results, serve promptly!

How to Serve Beef Chop Suey

Serving Beef Chop Suey is all about enhancing its flavors and ensuring a delightful dining experience. This dish can be paired with various sides and garnishes that complement its savory profile.

Garnish Ideas

• Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Green Onions – Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves give a burst of herbal aroma.

Rice Options

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – The fragrant rice pairs perfectly with the saucy beef chop suey.
• Brown Rice – A healthier alternative that adds a nutty flavor.
• Fried Rice – For a more substantial meal, serve it over vegetable fried rice.

Additional Serving Suggestions

• Noodles – Serve with stir-fried noodles for a heartier option.
• Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls make a great appetizer alongside the main dish.
• Salad – A light Asian-style salad can balance the richness of the chop suey.

How to Perfect Beef Chop Suey

Perfecting Beef Chop Suey requires attention to detail and good cooking practices. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your dish significantly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cooking in batches ensures each piece of beef gets a nice sear without steaming.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness – If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer; for a lighter sauce, reduce cooking time.
• Toss Gently – When combining the beef and vegetables, toss them gently to keep everything intact while coating it in sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Chop Suey

Pairing side dishes with Beef Chop Suey can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Fried Tofu – Crispy tofu cubes offer a delightful contrast in texture and absorb flavors beautifully.
3. Vegetable Dumplings – These can be steamed or pan-fried for added variety and taste.
4. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and balances the rich flavors of chop suey.
5. Egg Fried Rice – Flavorful egg fried rice complements the dish well, making it even more filling.
6. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter that pairs nicely with beef chop suey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Beef Chop Suey, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: When browning beef, overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches to achieve a nice crust.
• Not prepping ingredients beforehand: Having everything chopped and ready saves time and ensures even cooking. Prep all vegetables before you start cooking.
• Ignoring vegetable doneness: Overcooked veggies lose their crunch. Pay attention to cooking times, especially for snow peas, which only need a minute or two.
• Lacking proper sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin or too thick, it won’t coat the ingredients well. Adjust with cornstarch as needed for desired thickness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Beef Chop Suey

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning into smaller containers for quick meals.

Reheating Beef Chop Suey

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered baking dish for about 20 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beef Chop Suey?

Beef Chop Suey is a stir-fried dish featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce served over rice or noodles.

How do I make my Beef Chop Suey healthier?

To make your Beef Chop Suey healthier, use lean cuts of beef and incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.

Can I substitute vegetables in Beef Chop Suey?

Yes! Feel free to customize your Beef Chop Suey with any favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, baby corn, or bok choy.

What can I serve with Beef Chop Suey?

Beef Chop Suey pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside spring rolls for added crunch.

Conclusion

Beef Chop Suey is not only delicious but also versatile. With its colorful mix of vegetables and tender beef pieces, it’s perfect for any meal. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasoning. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors!

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