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Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe

Old Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe

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.
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Author: Dr. Leah Alexander
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 17 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 408kcal

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.
Keyword: old fashioned beef chop suey recipe