American Chop Suey Recipe

Serves: 2–3
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crispy Noodles:

• 250 g chow mein noodles

• Water for boiling

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Oil – 1 tsp (for boiling)

• 2–3 tbsp cornflour

• Oil for deep frying

For the Sauce:

• ½ lb (about 250 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 1 bell pepper, julienned

• 1 cup cabbage (and/or kale), chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1½ tbsp cornflour (mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a paste)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Bring a pot of water to boil. Add salt and 1 tsp oil.

2. Add chow mein noodles and boil for 1 minute only.

3. Drain and rinse under cold water.

4. Spread the noodles out to dry for about 30 minutes.

5. Once dried, toss the noodles with 2–3 tbsp cornflour and a little oil.

6. Deep-fry until golden and crispy, then set aside on a paper towel.

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over high heat.

2. Add onion and chicken slices; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.

3. Add garlic and carrot, and sauté for another 30–40 seconds.

4. Stir in bell pepper, cabbage, and/or kale.

5. Add all the sauces and seasonings:

   • 2 tbsp Sriracha

   • 2 tbsp ketchup

   • 2 tbsp soy sauce

   • 1½ tbsp rice vinegar

   • 1 tsp black pepper

   • 1 tsp brown sugar

6. Pour in 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.

7. Add the cornflour paste, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

8. Turn off the heat.

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Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Place a layer of crispy noodles on a serving plate.

2. Pour the hot, flavorful chicken sauce over the top.

3. Garnish with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds (optional).

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Chef’s Tip:

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use tofu or extra vegetables. The contrast between the crispy noodles and the savory, tangy sauce is what makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser!