Chop Suey, a classic and beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that combine tender meats, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, allowing you to bring a touch of restaurant-quality dining into your home. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to prepare a delicious Shrimp and Chicken Chop Suey that is sure to become a family favorite. With its vibrant ingredients and rich sauce, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying, offering a balanced meal in every bite.
Ingredients
- Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 pound (225g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup of sliced bell peppers (your choice of color)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Start by making the sauce, which is the heart of this dish. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), sesame oil, and sugar.
- This will ensure a smooth, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
- Warm the vegetable oil in a spacious wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until they release their aromatic flavors.
- Next, add the sliced chicken breast to the pan.
- Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, until it is fully cooked and lightly browned, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is ready, add the shrimp to the pan.
- Cook the shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once done, remove both the chicken and shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Using the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary to keep the ingredients from sticking.
- Add the broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, water chestnuts, and mushrooms (if you’re including them) to the pan.
- Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they reach a tender-crisp texture.
- This step ensures that the vegetables retain their vibrant colors and satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pan, mixing them in with the stir-fried vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the entire mixture, stirring well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld with the chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.
Step 5: Add Bean Sprouts
- Finally, add the bean sprouts to the pan.
- Toss them with the other ingredients, allowing them to cook for just a minute so they maintain their fresh, crisp texture.
- The bean sprouts add a lightness to the dish that complements the rich sauce and hearty proteins.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Your Shrimp and Chicken Chop Suey is now ready to be enjoyed!
- Serve the dish hot over steamed rice or noodles, depending on your preference.
- This meal is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to delight your family and friends.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious and authentic Shrimp and Chicken Chop Suey at home is easier than you might think. With fresh ingredients, a flavorful sauce, and a few simple steps, you can prepare a dish that is both healthy and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for those who love the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine but prefer the comfort of a homemade meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Chop Suey recipe is sure to impress and become a regular in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process and savor the results!