Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of classic Chinese-American cuisine? Marge's Chop Suey is not just a recipe; it's a nostalgic explosion of flavors that promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. With its perfect blend of tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that will make your mouth water, this dish is about to become your new family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, slice the celery and bell pepper, and measure out the bean sprouts. Set these aside for later use.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break up any large chunks of meat.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Next, add the sliced celery and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the beef for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This mixture will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the bean sprouts to the skillet and pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bean sprouts are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season the chop suey with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary based on your preference.
- Once everything is well combined and cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the chop suey hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables to maintain texture and maximize flavor
- Drain excess fat after cooking beef to keep the dish light and not greasy
- Dissolve cornstarch completely in soy sauce to ensure a smooth, thickened sauce
- Stir-fry vegetables quickly to retain their crunch and nutritional value
- Don't overcook bean sprouts - they should remain slightly crisp
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or garlic
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for the best dining experience
- Experiment with protein variations like chicken or tofu for different versions
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
