Old-Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe: A Culinary Time Warp

In the annals of American cuisine, few dishes evoke nostalgia like old-fashioned beef chop suey. This iconic dish, a beloved staple of Chinese-American restaurants for generations, transports us back to a simpler time when comfort food reigned supreme.

Old-Fashioned Beef Chop Suey Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the beef, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Toss to coat and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Cook the beef: Drain the beef from the marinade and add it to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, breaking up any clumps.
5. Add the broth and sauce: Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for fifteen minutes.
6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Add this mixture to the skillet little by little, stirring all the while until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve: Serve the old-fashioned beef chop suey over rice or noodles.

Tips:

• Let the beef marinade in the fridge for the entire night for a more soft cut.
• If you don’t have flank steak, you can substitute another thin cut of beef, such as skirt steak or sirloin.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to your chop suey, such as carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
• To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh.

Side Dishes and Accompaniments for Old-Fashioned Beef Chop Suey:

• Rice: Steamed rice is the classic accompaniment to chop suey, providing a neutral base for the flavorful sauce and vegetables.
• Noodles: Egg noodles, chow mein noodles, or lo mein noodles are all great options for pairing with chop suey.
• Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas, add a healthy and colorful touch to the meal.
• Spring rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or meat make a delicious and satisfying appetizer or side dish.
• Egg foo yung: This savory egg dish is a popular accompaniment to chop suey and other Chinese-American dishes.
• Wonton soup: A warm and comforting bowl of wonton soup is a great way to start or end a meal featuring chop suey.
• Fortune cookies: No Chinese-American meal is complete without fortune cookies!

A Culinary Journey Through Time

Old-fashioned beef chop suey is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary time warp. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will transport you to a bygone era of culinary bliss.

So gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of old-fashioned beef chop suey, a dish that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere.