Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further than this old-fashioned beef chop suey recipe! This classic dish is a delicious blend of tender beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory sauce that's sure to become a family favorite. It's a perfect example of healthy meals made easy, ideal for busy weeknights, and surprisingly adaptable to your preferred tastes. Forget takeout – this homemade cooking experience is simpler than you think!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner.
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Cooking Process
Let's get cooking! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef: Begin by thinly slicing the beef sirloin against the grain. This will ensure tender results. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the wok and stir-fry until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 5: Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and black pepper.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 7: Finish with Bean Sprouts: Gently stir in the bean sprouts. Cook for another minute until they're just wilted. Avoid overcooking, as you want to retain their crispness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious beef chop suey hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chop Suey
- Thinly Sliced Beef: Using thinly sliced beef is key to achieving tender results. If your beef is thick, you can partially freeze it for easier slicing.
- Don't Overcook the Vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will be mushy. Aim for crisp-tender.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and brown sugar to your liking.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations: Customize Your Chop Suey
- Chicken Chop Suey: Substitute the beef with 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Vegetarian Chop Suey: Omit the beef and add extra vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or water chestnuts. Consider adding firm tofu for protein.
- Shrimp Chop Suey: Use 1 lb of shrimp instead of beef. Cook the shrimp for a shorter time to prevent overcooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This old-fashioned beef chop suey recipe offers a quick, easy, and delicious meal option perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!