Quick & Easy Weeknight Chop Suey

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. This mixture forms the base of the savory sauce and the cornstarch will help thicken it as it cooks, creating a glossy finish. Set aside for later.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the sauce.
2. 2

   Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough so that when you add the protein, it sizzles immediately. This high heat is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing the protein from steaming.

   ~2 min

   Tip: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet works well too.
3. 3

   Add the protein to the hot skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking. You should see the pieces turn opaque and slightly golden.

   ~5 min

   Tip: If the pan becomes too crowded, cook the protein in batches.
4. 4

   Remove the protein from the skillet and set aside. This prevents it from overcooking while you prepare the vegetables. Drain any excess liquid from the pan to ensure the vegetables will stir-fry properly.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Use a slotted spoon to remove the protein, leaving the oil in the pan.
5. 5

   Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Increase the heat slightly if necessary to maintain a high temperature. This ensures that the vegetables will cook quickly and retain their crispness.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Make sure the oil is shimmering before adding the vegetables.
6. 6

   Add the onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. The vegetables should be slightly softened but still retain some of their crunch. You should hear a sizzling sound as they cook.

   ~4 min

   Tip: Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for vegetable texture.
7. 7

   Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. As the sauce heats, the cornstarch will activate and thicken it, creating a glossy coating on the vegetables. Continue stirring until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

   ~2 min

   Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
8. 8

   Return the cooked protein to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables. Ensure that the protein is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through. This step allows the flavors to meld together.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Gently toss the ingredients to avoid breaking the protein into smaller pieces.
9. 9

   Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor and aroma. Sesame oil has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way. The aroma should be nutty and fragrant.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Toasted sesame oil has a more intense flavor than regular sesame oil.
10. 10

    Serve immediately over rice or noodles. The warm dish is best enjoyed right away to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and the tenderness of the protein. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.

    ~1 min

    Tip: White rice, brown rice, or noodles all work well with this dish.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts