Chop Suey is that one dish that made me fall in love with vegetables. This dish, consisting of assorted vegetables cooked in a thick, gravy-like sauce, is easy to make. It usually contains pork or beef, but I used shrimp for this recipe.

Why do I love vegetables?

When I was a kid, I was not too fond of vegetables. I would pick them from my food and leave them on my plate. My mom was always trying to get me to eat my vegetables, but I couldn’t seem to do it.

One day, my mom made chop suey. I had never had it before, but I was willing to try it because my mom made it. I was surprised to find that I liked it! The vegetables were cooked perfectly and mixed in with the shrimp and sauce in a way that made them taste delicious.

I started to ask my mom to make chop suey more often, and she was happy to do it. I soon realized that I loved vegetables as long as they were cooked in a way I enjoyed. My mom’s chop suey was the gateway that got me hooked on vegetables!

I still love chop suey to this day, and I always think of my mom when I eat it. She was the one who introduced me to the delicious world of vegetables, and I’m so grateful for that.

Chop suey is more than just a delicious dish to me. It’s a reminder of my mom’s love and her culinary skills. It’s also a reminder of how vegetables can be delicious, even if you don’t think you like them.

I’m so glad my mom forced me to try this dish as a kid. It’s the one food I will always cherish and a dish I will always associate with my mom’s love.

Where did chop suey originate from?

The exact origins of chop suey are unclear, but it is generally believed to have originated in China. The name “chop suey” comes from the Cantonese phrase tsap sui, which translates to “odds and ends” or “miscellaneous broken pieces.” This is because the dish was initially made with whatever meat and vegetables were available.

There is some evidence that chop suey may have been brought to the United States by Chinese immigrants in the late 1800s. However, it is also possible that Chinese-American chefs invented the dish in the United States.

Whatever its origins, chop suey quickly became a popular dish in the United States. It was seen as a cheap and easy way to taste Chinese cuisine. Chop suey was also seen as a healthy dish, as it was made with fresh vegetables.

Today, chop suey is a popular dish around the world. It is often served in Chinese restaurants but can be made at home. There are many variations of chop suey, but the basic dish consists of meat, vegetables, and sauce.

Here are some of the most common ingredients in chop suey:

• Meat: Chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or fish
• Vegetables: Bean sprouts, cabbage, celery, carrots, water chestnuts, snow peas, mushrooms
• Sauce: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, water

You can cook chop suey using a wok or a large skillet. It is essential to cook the vegetables quickly so that they stay crisp. The meat can be cooked separately or added to the vegetables after cooking.

Chop suey is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add or subtract vegetables, depending on your preferences. And if you don’t like shrimp, you can easily substitute another protein, such as chicken or tofu.

So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try chop suey. You won’t be disappointed! 

Here are the ingredients for shrimp chop suey:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pouch Mamacita chop suey mix (if this is not available, please see the alternative sauce recipe below)
• 1 cup water
• 1 lb mixed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
• 1 can baby corn, chopped in bite sizes
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Serve with:

• Rice
• Sriracha and lime wedge (optional but recommended)

If Mamacita mix is not available, try this sauce instead:

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the shrimp and season with salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss to coat.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In a wok or large skillet, add your mixed vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper to the pan and cook until softened about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the Mamacita mix with water. Whisk together and set aside. (if using an alternative sauce, combine all ingredients at this step as well).
5. Add the baby corn and pour the sauce in with the vegetables and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in the shrimp and cook for another minute or two or until heated through.
7. Serve immediately over rice. Drizzle Sriracha for heat.

Here are some tips for making shrimp chop suey:

• Use large shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Take your time with the shrimp, or they will become tough.
• Add the vegetables in stages so that they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables, or they will become mushy.
• Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking.
• Serve immediately over rice.

You can also add or subtract vegetables to your liking. Some popular vegetables to add to chop suey include:

• Water chestnuts
• Mushrooms
• Bamboo shoots
• Napa cabbage
• Green beans
• Snow peas

You can also adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. Some people prefer a thicker sauce, while others prefer a thinner sauce.

Chop suey is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add or subtract vegetables, depending on your preferences. And if you don’t like shrimp, you can easily substitute another protein, such as chicken or tofu.

So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try chop suey. You won’t be disappointed! 

Need for easy recipes? Check these out:

• The Best and Easy Homemade Ajitama (Soy Sauce Eggs)
• The Best and Budget-Friendly Shrimp Eggrolls (And They’re Easy to Make!)
• Creamy Roasted Tomato and Pepper Soup: The Best and Easy Recipe to Make at Home
• How to Make Gyoza with Crispy Skirts: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Introducing the best summer meal: spicy salmon poke bowl!

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