If you have ever craved a comforting dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, this Beef Chop Suey Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. Combining tender beef with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce, this classic Chinese-American stir-fry hits all the right notes for a quick yet satisfying meal. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty dish full of color, crunch, and rich umami goodness that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this Beef Chop Suey Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from tender slices of beef providing protein and richness, to fresh vegetables adding crunch and freshness, and the sauces bringing depth and savory notes to the dish.
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced): Choose a tender cut and slice thinly for quick cooking and the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor essential for that classic chop suey taste.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Deepens the savory notes with a subtle sweetness and richness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying to get a nice sear on the beef and vegetables.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and a bit of bite, balancing the other flavors.
- 1 cup sliced celery: Brings a crisp, refreshing crunch and subtle bitterness.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Provide lightness and a delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with the beef.
- 1 cup sliced bell pepper (any color): Contributes vibrant color and a slightly sweet flavor.
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they complement the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chopped napa cabbage: Adds softness and mild sweetness, soaking up all those delicious sauces.
- 3/4 cup beef broth or water: Creates the savory sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A finishing touch that lends a nutty aroma and richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Beef Chop Suey Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Begin by tossing your thin slices of beef in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This simple marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor, setting the base for your dish. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the beef.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until it browns nicely but is not completely cooked through. This step locks in the juices and helps maintain a juicy texture. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté minced garlic and sliced onions for about one minute until fragrant and translucent. Then, toss in celery, bell pepper, mushrooms, and napa cabbage. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn tender but retain a bit of crunch — this keeps the dish lively and fresh.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the beef to the pan along with bean sprouts and pour in the beef broth or water. Toss everything together so the flavors meld beautifully. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken. For a silkier finish, add a quick drizzle of sesame oil and season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Your Beef Chop Suey Recipe is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Beef Chop Suey Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of crunch that elevates the dish’s presentation while enhancing the flavors subtly.
Side Dishes
Beef Chop Suey pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all the savory sauce. Alternatively, toss it over a bed of sautéed noodles for a heartier meal that feels like a celebration in your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Beef Chop Suey in crispy wonton cups or lettuce wraps for a fun finger-food twist perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. You can also add a side of pickled vegetables or a light Asian-inspired salad to balance the richness of the stir-fry.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Beef Chop Suey Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed quickly as a reheat-friendly meal during busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that some vegetables may soften upon thawing, but the flavors still hold up beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat to preserve the texture of the beef and vegetables. Alternatively, microwaving on medium power works fine—just be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly and avoid drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I substitute other meats for the beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken or shrimp can be great alternatives in this Beef Chop Suey Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster and chicken should be cooked through thoroughly.
What vegetables work best if I want to customize my Chop Suey?
Feel free to experiment with veggies like snow peas, carrots, water chestnuts, or broccoli. The goal is to maintain a balance of crunchy, tender, and fresh textures to complement the beef.
Is this Beef Chop Suey Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well, or substitute with a gluten-free alternative.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Definitely! Simply mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce near the end. This will thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
What is the best way to slice the beef for this recipe?
For the most tender slices, partially freeze the beef for about 20 minutes before cutting. Slice thinly against the grain to ensure each piece remains juicy and easy to chew after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Chop Suey Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again because it checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your wok skills, this recipe brings a spark of joy to the table. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites!
Print
Beef Chop Suey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
A classic Chinese-American Beef Chop Suey recipe featuring tender beef sirloin stir-fried with a colorful medley of vegetables in a savory soy and oyster sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped napa cabbage
- 3/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic and sliced onion for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add sliced celery, bell pepper, mushrooms, and napa cabbage. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender yet still crisp.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add bean sprouts and pour in the beef broth or water. Toss everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and flavors to meld.
- Finish and season: Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final toss to combine well.
- Serve hot: Serve the beef chop suey immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet at the end.
- You can substitute chicken or shrimp for the beef to vary the protein.
- Use any color bell pepper for vibrant presentation and flavor.
- Ensure vegetables remain slightly crisp for the best texture contrast.
