By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on August 14, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024
Beef Chop Suey is a delicious Chinese-American dish that originated in the The Old-Fashioned restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin.
This classic restaurant favorite has been given an update with more savory flavors, which makes it perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or even a fancy Sunday brunch.
Our Beef Chop Suey takes the classic American Chop Suey making procedure and combines it with traditional Chinese flavors, making it an irresistible dish that is sure to delight everyone at the table.
In this article, we will provide instructions on how to make Beef Chop Suey just like the old fashioned restaurant, as well as some tips and tricks for making the perfect one.
What is Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey?
Beef Chop Suey is a popular American dish that has been served at The Old-Fashioned restaurant since the early 20th century. It has since become a staple of Chinese-American cuisine.
The dish is made by combining cooked beef with vegetables and soy sauce. The mixture is then stir-fried in a wok until it’s lightly browned. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be served over white rice or chow mein noodles.
It’s quite easy to make at home. It is known for its simplicity as the ingredients are readily available and require minimal time. So let’s get started!
Want more Beef Recipes? Check them out!
- Knorr Beef Noodles
- Italian Beef Egg Rolls
- Jamie Oliver Beef Enchiladas
- Beef Ojyu
- Persian Beef Kabob
- Beef Chuck Roast Spanish
- Wild Bills Beef Jerky
What does it taste like?
This beef chop suey is a delicious combination of flavors. The savory soy sauce and molasses provide the base for this dish, while the mushrooms and water chestnuts add a crunchy texture.
The bitterness of the celery balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce, while the onions and bean sprouts add sweetness. As it cooks, all these flavors blend together to create a delicious and comforting dish.
The chow mein noodles add an extra crunchiness that brings out the flavor of the other ingredients. With every bite, you’ll be able to taste all of these wonderful flavors blended together to create the perfect dish.
How did I first get introduced to the Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey?
I first got introduced to the Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey when I visited The Old-Fashioned Chinese restaurant in Madison. With its classic red and white walls and traditional decorations, the restaurant felt like a step back into the past.
The atmosphere of the place was inviting and comforting. I was immediately drawn to the menu, and my eyes quickly landed on the dish of Beef Chop Suey.Intrigued, I decided to try the dish and I’m glad that I did!
The flavorful mix of soy sauce, molasses and other ingredients came together perfectly with the crunchy texture from the chow mein noodles and the sweetness of the onions and bean sprouts. It was truly a unique and delicious experience.
The waiter then told me that this dish is usually served with white rice, but I decided to take it home and enjoy it with some crusty bread instead. I asked him for the recipe. He shared it with me so I could make it at home whenever I wanted.
Once I got home, I followed the instructions that the waiter had given me and made my own version of the Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey. It was just as delicious as when I tried it in the restaurant!
Ever since that day, I have been making Beef Chop Suey for my friends and family whenever I can. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of Madison and it is always a crowd-pleaser!
After making it a few times and perfecting my technique, I decided to share this procedure of making Old Fashioned beef chop suey with you all.
How to make Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey?
Making Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey is very easy! All you need to do is prepare the ingredients and follow the instructions:
You May Also Like These Dinner Recipes:
- HelloFresh Sweet Soy Glaze Copycat Recipe
- Salmon New Orleans Copycat Recipe
- Tony Roma Ribs Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- Shortening: Shortening is a type of fat that is often used in baking and frying. It has a light flavor and is solid at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for this recipe.
- Pork or Beef: For this old-fashioned beef chop suey, you can use either pork or beef as the meat base. Pork tends to be more tender when cooked, while beef is often more flavorful.
- Onion: Onion adds a delicious flavor to the dish and can also help to thicken the sauce.
- Celery: Celery provides a crunchy texture and mild flavor to this dish. Its subtle sweetness helps balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms provide a delicious earthy flavor to the dish and help to thicken the sauce.
- Water chestnuts: Water chestnuts add crunchy texture and sweetness to the dish. They also provide contrast in color, making it look more visually appealing.
- Bean sprouts: Bean sprouts give this dish an added crunch, as well as a hint of sweetness.
- White rice: White rice is the perfect accompaniment to this dish, as it helps to soak up all of the delicious sauces and flavors.
- Chow mein noodles: These crunchy noodles provide a nice contrast in texture and add even more flavor to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor to the dish and helps to bind all of the ingredients together.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a large skillet, heat the shortening over medium-high heat. Add the pork or beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Add the onion and celery to the pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and molasses and reduce heat to low.
Step 3
Stir in the mushrooms, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, and reserved mushroom liquid. Simmer over low heat until the meat is cooked through and tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 4
Serve the beef chop suey over cooked white rice and sprinkle with chow mein noodles. Drizzle with a bit of extra soy sauce to taste, if desired.
Tips
- If you want to add an extra depth of flavor, try adding a few tbsp of hoisin or oyster sauce to the dish.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of dried red pepper flakes to the dish when cooking the vegetables.
- Add some crunch and color to your dish by topping with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- If you want to make this dish even heartier, add cooked noodles or cubed potatoes.
- If you don’t have any chow mein noodles, try topping with crushed potato chips or crispy fried onion rings instead.
Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe
Equipment
- skillet or pan
Ingredients
Pork and Mushroom Mix:
- 3 pounds of cubed pork
- 16 ounces of canned mushrooms
- 16 ounces of water chestnuts sliced
- 6 cups of sliced celery
- 2 diced onions
Soy Sauce Infusion:
- 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of dark molasses
Rice Base:
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
Thickening Agent:
- 2 teaspoons of all-purpose or bread flour
Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper precisely measured to taste
Shortening for Cooking:
- 6 teaspoons of shortening
Garnish and Texture:
- Fresh bean sprouts
- Chow mein noodles for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the shortening over medium-high heat. Add the pork or beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the onion and celery to the pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and molasses and reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the mushrooms, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, and reserved mushroom liquid. Simmer over low heat until the meat is cooked through and tender, about 10 minutes.
- Serve the beef chop suey over cooked white rice and sprinkle with chow mein noodles. Drizzle with a bit of extra soy sauce to taste, if desired.
Notes
- If you want to add an extra depth of flavor, try adding a few tbsp of hoisin or oyster sauce to the dish.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of dried red pepper flakes to the dish when cooking the vegetables.
- Add some crunch and color to your dish by topping with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- If you want to make this dish even heartier, add cooked noodles or cubed potatoes.
- If you don’t have any chow mein noodles, try topping with crushed potato chips or crispy fried onion rings instead.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey?
Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey is a delicious and comforting dish that can be served in many different ways. It is excellent with plain white rice, but it can also be served with noodles or potatoes.
If you’re looking for some additional ideas to serve alongside your chop suey, try one of these options:
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- Fried rice
- Egg rolls or dumplings
- Stir-fried noodles
- Salad
- Fruit salad
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Spicy pickles
- Soy sauce eggs
How to store leftover Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey?
Leftover Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey can easily be stored in the fridge for up to one week. The best way to store it is in an airtight container so that it maintains its freshness and flavor. To reheat, simply put it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
It’s also possible to freeze your leftover chop suey. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating it up on the stovetop.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women can eat Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey as long as the ingredients are cooked through. Pregnant women should avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fish, shellfish, and soft cheese to reduce their risk of foodborne illness.
When preparing this dish, be sure to use a food thermometer to check that the beef or pork has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F. This will help ensure that any potential bacteria are eliminated and make your dish safe for expecting mothers to consume.
In addition, it’s best to avoid adding extra salt to the dish when cooking, as expecting mothers should limit their sodium intake. Stick with low-sodium soy sauce or opt for an unsalted version of the condiment.
With these precautions in mind, pregnant women can have Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey without any worry.
FAQs
What if I don’t have fresh mushrooms?
If you don’t have fresh mushrooms, feel free to use canned or pre-sliced mushrooms. Canned and pre-sliced mushrooms will already be cooked, so they just need to be added directly to the dish at the end.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the pork or beef with extra vegetables and crumbled tofu or tempeh.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply omit the soy sauce and use a gluten-free alternative such as tamari or coconut aminos. You can also opt for gluten-free chow mein noodles if desired.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey in a slow cooker, add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. If desired, you can also add a few tbsp of cornstarch to thicken the sauce before serving.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for checking out this article on Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey. This dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will like.
Please share this article with your friends and family if you enjoyed it. You can also leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions.
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
- Carrabba’s Tuscan Grilled Chicken Copycat Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa Haddock Copycat Recipes
- Alton Brown Caramelized Onions Copycat Recipe
Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
