We’ve always been fans of Mock Chop Suey, that clever American take on a Chinese classic, perfect for whipping up a flavorful stir-fry without the fuss. Originating from early 20th-century immigrant kitchens, it’s a versatile dish that combines everyday veggies and proteins into a satisfying meal we can all enjoy on busy nights.
Our recipe keeps things simple yet bold, letting you create a hearty plate that’s full of taste and easy to customize. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, we’ll show you how to make it your own in no time.
Ingredients
In our Mock Chop Suey recipe, we blend fresh vegetables, proteins, and simple seasonings to capture the quick, flavorful essence of this American-Chinese classic. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
Fresh Aromatics and Proteins
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for stir-frying to start building flavors quickly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a pungent, aromatic base we rely on for depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated – provides a zesty, warming kick that enhances the dish’s versatility.
- 1 pound ground beef or pork – choose lean for a healthier option; brown it first to lock in juices.
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced – offers a sweet, foundational crunch when added next.
- 2 stalks celery, sliced – contributes a crisp texture and subtle earthiness for balance.
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded – use green for its hearty bite, which softens beautifully in the stir-fry.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned – brings vibrant color and natural sweetness to the mix.
- 2 cups bean sprouts – add at the end for a fresh, crisp element that maintains its crunch.
Sauces and Finishers
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – our go-to for umami; opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce – thickens and enriches the stir-fry with savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water – creates a glossy finish we use to thicken the sauce.
- Optional: 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth – for adjusting consistency, making the dish even more customizable to your tastes.
Required Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Mock Chop Suey efficiently, we need a selection of essential tools that ensure even cooking and easy handling of ingredients. These items help us achieve the perfect stir-fry texture while minimizing mess and maximizing safety in the kitchen.
Here’s a list of the key equipment we recommend, organized by their primary use in the recipe process:
- Wok or Large Skillet: Our go-to for high-heat stir-frying, as it provides ample space to toss vegetables and proteins evenly. Opt for a non-stick version if you’re new to stir-frying to prevent sticking.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Essential for prepping fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and vegetables. We suggest a sturdy wooden or plastic board paired with a chef’s knife for precise, quick chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in our Mock Chop Suey recipe, so use these to measure oils, sauces, and seasonings precisely—helping us balance flavors without guesswork.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring and flipping ingredients during cooking, as they withstand high heat and won’t scratch your cookware.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining sauces or marinating proteins, ensuring our dish’s glossy finish from the cornstarch mixture blends smoothly.
- Stove or Portable Burner: While most kitchens have one, we specify a gas stove for better heat control, which is crucial for achieving that authentic stir-fry sear.
By having these tools ready, we seamlessly transition from gathering ingredients to cooking our Mock Chop Suey, making the process straightforward and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our flavorful Mock Chop Suey with simple, step-by-step actions that highlight its vibrant stir-fry essence. Let’s transform fresh ingredients into a quick, customizable meal that captures the dish’s aromatic and savory appeal.
Prep
Before we dive into cooking, we prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together seamlessly in the wok. Start by gathering the key components from our ingredients list: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tablespoon ginger minced, 1 pound ground beef or pork, 1 large onion sliced, 2 cups celery chopped, 3 cups cabbage shredded, 2 carrots julienned, 2 cups bean sprouts rinsed, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening.
We begin with the vegetables and proteins:
- Chop and measure precisely: Dice the onion, celery, cabbage, and carrots into uniform pieces for even cooking—aim for 1-inch slices to maintain crispness.
- Mince aromatics: Finely mince the garlic and ginger to release their pungent, invigorating flavors that form the base of Mock Chop Suey’s signature aroma.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and the cornstarch slurry; stir until smooth for a glossy, velvety finish that coats each bite.
- If using optional broth, measure 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth and set it aside to add moisture and depth.
This prep stage takes about 10-15 minutes, setting the stage for a stir-fry that balances crisp textures with rich, umami notes.
Cook
We move to the high-heat stir-frying that brings Mock Chop Suey’s bold flavors to life, using your wok or skillet for optimal results. Heat everything over medium-high to achieve that perfect sear and sizzle.
Follow these steps for a seamless process:
- Heat the oil: In your wok, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers, about 1-2 minutes, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger; stir actively for 30 seconds until their fragrant, spicy scent fills the air.
- Brown the protein: Add 1 pound ground beef or pork; cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and juicy, releasing savory juices that enhance the dish’s hearty base.
- Incorporate vegetables: Toss in the onion, celery, cabbage, and carrots; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they brighten and crisp-tender, maintaining their fresh crunch while absorbing the aromatic flavors.
- Add final elements: Stir in 2 cups bean sprouts and the sauce mixture; if desired, pour in 1 cup broth for extra liquid. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy sheen that clings to the ingredients, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
The entire cooking process takes 10-15 minutes, yielding a dish with a
| Cooking Stage | Time (minutes) | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Heating oil and aromatics | 1-2 | Fragrant base established |
| Browning protein | 3-4 | Juicy, flavorful foundation |
| Stir-frying vegetables | 4-5 | Crisp-tender veggies |
| Adding sprouts and sauce | 2-3 | Glossy, cohesive finish |
This table summarizes the timing for efficient preparation, ensuring our Mock Chop Suey is ready in under 30 minutes total.
Serve
Once cooked, we focus on plating our Mock Chop Suey to showcase its vibrant colors and flavors, making it an inviting centerpiece.
Serve immediately in warm bowls over steamed rice or noodles to complement the stir-fry’s crisp, savory elements with a soft base. Divide the mixture evenly—about 1-2 cups per serving for 4 people—then garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal. Encourage customization, such as adding a dash of hot sauce for heat, to let the dish’s fresh, umami-packed profile shine in every bite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We find that preparing Mock Chop Suey in advance streamlines our cooking process, allowing us to deliver a fresh, flavorful stir-fry with minimal effort on busy days. By prepping key components ahead, we preserve the dish’s vibrant textures and tastes while saving valuable time.
Prepping Ingredients
To maintain crispness in vegetables and flavor in proteins, we recommend the following steps:
- Chop vegetables early: Dice onions, slice celery, shred cabbage, and julienne carrots up to 24 hours in advance. This ensures they retain their crunch when stir-fried later.
- Prepare proteins: Brown ground beef or pork in a skillet, then cool and store it in an airtight container. We suggest doing this 1-2 days ahead to enhance flavors through resting.
- Mince aromatics: Finely chop garlic and ginger, then place them in a small sealed bag. Prepping these keeps the dish’s aromatic punch intact.
Mixing Sauces and Slurries
We always mix sauces beforehand to avoid last-minute rushes:
- Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings in a bowl, then transfer to a jar. Add the cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- This step allows flavors to meld, making our Mock Chop Suey even more cohesive when cooked.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to our make-ahead strategy. Here’s how we handle it:
- Use airtight containers or resealable bags for all prepped items, and label them with dates to track freshness.
- For specific storage durations, refer to the table below:
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Storage Time (Refrigerated) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped Vegetables | 1-2 days | Keep them dry to prevent sogginess |
| Cooked Proteins | 1-2 days | Reheat briefly to avoid overcooking |
| Miced Aromatics | Up to 1 day | Use quickly to maintain potency |
| Sauce and Slurry Mixtures | Up to 3 days | Stir before use for consistency |
When ready to assemble, we stir-fry the prepped ingredients over high heat as outlined in our recipe, ensuring the dish comes together in under 15 minutes for a quick, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring Mock Chop Suey as a quick twist on classic flavors that fits right into our busy lives. It’s a versatile dish we can adapt endlessly to suit our tastes and what’s in the kitchen.
By trying this recipe you’ll discover how simple ingredients create something truly satisfying. Let’s make it a staple in our meal rotation for its ease and delicious results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mock Chop Suey?
Mock Chop Suey is an American twist on a traditional Chinese dish, created in early 20th-century immigrant kitchens. It’s a quick, flavorful stir-fry combining vegetables and proteins, perfect for easy meals. This adaptable recipe uses simple ingredients like garlic, ginger, ground meat, and veggies, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks to customize to their tastes.
What are the key ingredients for Mock Chop Suey?
Key ingredients include vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, ground beef or pork, onion, celery, cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a cornstarch mixture for gloss. Optional additions like chicken or vegetable broth enhance flavor. These fresh, simple components blend to create a vibrant, American-Chinese classic in under 30 minutes.
What equipment do I need to make Mock Chop Suey?
You’ll need a wok or large skillet for high-heat stir-frying, a cutting board and sharp knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, and a mixing bowl for sauces. A stove or portable burner ensures even cooking. These tools make the process safe, efficient, and mess-free for all skill levels.
How do I prepare Mock Chop Suey?
Start by prepping ingredients: chop vegetables, mince garlic and ginger, and mix sauces in about 10-15 minutes. Heat oil in a wok, stir-fry aromatics, brown the protein, then add veggies and sauces. Cook on high heat for under 15 minutes to keep veggies crisp. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, and feel free to customize with your favorite flavors.
Can I make Mock Chop Suey ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients in advance to save time. Chop vegetables, prepare proteins, and mix sauces ahead, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This allows flavors to meld and lets you stir-fry everything in under 15 minutes when ready. Label containers with dates to maintain freshness and ensure the best taste.
How can I customize Mock Chop Suey?
Customize by swapping proteins like chicken for beef, adding extras such as mushrooms or bell peppers, or adjusting seasonings with more soy sauce or spices. Use vegetable broth for a lighter version or experiment with different veggies based on availability. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor the dish to your preferences while keeping it quick and delicious.