Pork chop suey is a classic American dish that has been a staple in many households for generations. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that consists of sautéed pork, vegetables, and sometimes noodles or rice. The dish originated from Chinese cuisine, specifically from the stir-fry technique used in chop suey, which was adapted and modified to suit American tastes. When I was growing up, my mother used to make pork chop suey for family gatherings and special occasions.
The aroma of sizzling pork and vegetables wafting from the kitchen always made everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. As an adult, I’ve continued to make this recipe for my own family, and it’s always a hit with my kids and husband. They love the combination of tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce. It’s a comfort food that never fails to satisfy our hunger and warm our hearts.
The key to making a great pork chop suey is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook it slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy. I like to use a combination of pork belly and leaner cuts of meat for added depth of flavor. The vegetables I use are typically carrots, celery, and onions, but you can customize it according to your preferences.
Some people like to add noodles or rice for added texture, while others prefer it without any grains at all. One of the best things about pork chop suey is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course or as part of a larger spread with other dishes. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even just a quick weeknight dinner after work.
My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and cooking it together in the kitchen. It’s a great way to bond over food while creating memories that last a lifetime. As for health benefits, pork chop suey is relatively lean compared to other meat-based dishes. The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it easier to digest even for those with sensitive stomachs.
Additionally, using high-quality oils like olive oil or avocado oil adds healthy fats that enhance the overall flavor profile without adding excessive calories.
Pork Chop Suey
4.8 from 932 votes
A classic Chinese-American stir-fry featuring tender pork strips and crisp vegetables in a savory brown sauce. This quick and satisfying dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
1 lb boneless pork chops, thinly sliced into strips
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
For the Sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Stir-Fry
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced diagonally
1 cup snow peas, trimmed
1 cup bean sprouts
1 red bell pepper, sliced
4 oz sliced water chestnuts, drained
2 green onions, sliced for garnish
👨🍳Directions
1In a medium bowl, combine the pork strips with soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and white pepper.
2Toss well to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
3In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
4In another small bowl, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and set aside.
5Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
6Add the marinated pork strips in a single layer and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
7Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
8Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the onion and celery and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
9Add the snow peas, bell pepper, and water chestnuts to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the vegetables are bright and crisp-tender.
10Return the cooked pork to the wok and toss to combine.
11Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
12Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then add it to the wok while stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and vegetables.
13Add the bean sprouts and stir gently for 30 seconds just until heated through.
14Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice.
For a more authentic flavor, use pork shoulder or loin. You can substitute any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or carrots. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Watch Video Of How Pork Chop Suey Works
Pork chop suey is an incredible dish that suits any occasion whether you’re hosting guests or simply need something comforting after work.
Its versatility allows you to customize according to your preferences – add noodles for those who love carbs or skip them altogether if following low-carb diets – making it easy on both taste buds and dietary requirements alike.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Chop Suey
Q1: What is the difference between chop suey and stir-fry?
Chop suey is a specific type of stir-fry that originated from Chinese cuisine but was adapted by Americans in the early 20th century. While both dishes involve quickly cooking ingredients in a wok or large skillet, chop suey typically uses more noodles or rice than traditional stir-fries do.
Q2: Can I substitute pork with other meats?
Yes, you can experiment with different protein sources like beef, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. However, keep in mind that each meat has its own unique flavor profile and texture that may alter the overall taste experience.
Q3: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
To avoid an overly thick sauce, make sure not to overcook the mixture after adding your liquid ingredients like broth or soy sauce. Also, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch or flour used as thickening agents based on your preference.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare individual components such as marinating the meat or chopping vegetables several hours before assembling everything together just before serving.
Q5: Is there an alternative way to cook this dish besides using oil?
Absolutely! You can use other methods like air frying or baking instead of pan-frying if you prefer less oil consumption.
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