Chop Suey, also known as Capcay, is a versatile and delicious stir-fry dish that combines a variety of vegetables and proteins in a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal that can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy a burst of flavors and textures with every bite of this delightful dish.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (or another protein of your choice)
- 3 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups cabbage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup squash, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms (any type works; king oyster mushrooms used here)
- Diced Asian fishballs or fishcakes
- 2 small 1-inch pieces of ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped into 1-inch segments
- ¼ small onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
For the Chop Suey Gravy Sauce:
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (light soy sauce preferred for a milder flavor)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
To Thicken the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the chicken (or your chosen protein) into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the broccoli, cabbage, squash, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the ginger into small pieces and cut the green onions into 1-inch sections.
- Thinly slice the quarter of the small onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Make the Gravy Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and chicken bouillon. Mix well and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and drizzle in some oil.
- Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are browned and fully cooked.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- If needed, pour a little more oil into the same pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger slices, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
- Add the broccoli, cabbage, squash, mushrooms, and fishballs or fishcake. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Combine and Cook:
- Place the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour the prepared gravy sauce over the stir-fry. Blend everything together thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are uniformly mixed and coated.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water, stirring until completely blended.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add the green onions to the pan and give it one final stir.
- Present the hot Chop Suey over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
Conclusion
This Chop Suey (Capcay) recipe offers a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish brings together a delightful mix of vegetables, proteins, and a savory sauce that will leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy this classic stir-fry dish and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients.