Take a step back in time with this Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe, a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Featuring tender cubed pork, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and a savory soy sauce infusion, this recipe is both hearty and flavorful. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice and garnished with crunchy bean sprouts and chow mein noodles, this dish is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will transport you to the comforting flavors of the past.
Ingredients:
Pork and Mushroom Mix:
- 3 pounds cubed pork
- 16 ounces canned mushrooms, drained
- 16 ounces water chestnuts, sliced
- 6 cups sliced celery
- 2 onions, diced
Soy Sauce Infusion:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup dark molasses
Rice Base:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, cooked according to package instructions
Thickening Agent:
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose or bread flour
Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper, precisely measured to taste
Shortening for Cooking:
- 6 teaspoons shortening
Garnish and Texture:
- Fresh bean sprouts
- Chow mein noodles for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork and Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 teaspoons of shortening over medium heat.
- Add the cubed pork and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add another 2 teaspoons of shortening. Sauté the diced onions, sliced celery, canned mushrooms, and water chestnuts until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Pork and Vegetables:
- Return the browned pork to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Prepare the Soy Sauce Infusion:
- In a small bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce with the dark molasses until well combined.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the pork and vegetable mix. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. The flour will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and the sauce will thicken.
- Cook the Rice:
- While the chop suey simmers, prepare the long-grain white rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Season to Taste:
- After the chop suey has simmered, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- To serve, place a generous portion of rice on each plate, and spoon the beef chop suey over the rice.
- Garnish with fresh bean sprouts and a handful of crispy chow mein noodles for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey recipe is a comforting and nostalgic dish that brings together tender pork, savory vegetables, and a rich soy sauce-based sauce. The addition of fresh bean sprouts and crispy chow mein noodles adds the perfect crunch to this hearty meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the classic flavors of this beloved dish, just like it was made in the good old days!