I’m excited to share with you today one of my all-time favorite meals, shrimp chop suey, which has made many family dinners fun. Ah, just saying the name makes my mouth water. Let’s get right to it, shall we?.
Chopsuey is a classic Filipino stir-fry dish loaded with vegetables and your choice of meat or seafood. This version features succulent shrimp and a savory sauce for a delicious one-pan meal. Learn how easy it is to make this veggie-packed shrimp chopsuey at home!
What is Chopsuey?
Chopsuey originated in the Philippines as a tasty way to use up leftover ingredients. Traditionally containing veggies like cabbage, bean sprouts and celery cooked in a savory sauce, today’s chopsuey recipes are more elaborate.
There are many variations, but shrimp is one of the most popular proteins to add. The sweet brininess of the shrimp perfectly complements the array of sautéed vegetables
This shrimp chopsuey is filled with healthy veggies like
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Snow peas
- Baby corn
Take your taste buds on a delicious veggie-filled adventure with this easy shrimp chopsuey recipe!
Shrimp Chopsuey Ingredients
To make this flavorful one-pan meal, you’ll need:
- Shrimp – thawed if frozen
- Vegetable oil
- Onion, sliced
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower florets
- Snow peas
- Baby corn
- Chicken broth
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper
That’s it! The simple combination of shrimp, fresh veggies and luscious Asian-inspired sauces makes this dish so satisfying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Here’s a simple walkthrough for how to make perfect shrimp chopsuey at home:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse, peel and devein the shrimp. Chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Measure out the sauces and cornstarch.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 1 minute per side until opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add a bit more oil to pan. Sauté onions until translucent, then add bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli and snap peas. Cook 3-4 minutes until starting to soften.
4. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauce and oyster sauce.
5. Simmer the Chopsuey
Add sauce mixture to pan and bring to a boil. Return shrimp to pan and simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve shrimp chopsuey hot over steamed rice. Enjoy!
In 30 minutes or less, you can have a flavorful veggie-packed meal on the table. This chopsuey is healthy, filling and delicious!
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Chopsuey
- Use fresh, in-season vegetables for optimal crunch and flavor
- Mix up the veggies based on what’s on hand or in season
- Frozen shrimp works well for convenience
- Have all veggies prepped before cooking for quick sautéing
- Don’t overcook veggies; you want them crisp-tender
- Use medium-high heat for fast, even cooking
- Add a little sesame oil for extra aroma and flavor
- Garnish with green onions, peanuts or fried wontons
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice
Follow these tips and enjoy the best shrimp chopsuey you’ve ever tasted!
Customize Your Shrimp Chopsuey
One of the great things about chopsuey is that it’s highly customizable. Switch up the proteins and veggies to make it your own:
Proteins:
- Chicken or pork
- Tofu or seitan (for vegetarian/vegan)
- Shrimp, scallops, squid or mussels
Vegetables:
- Bok choy, napa cabbage or chard
- Water chestnuts
- Mushrooms
- Baby corn or hearts of palm
- Bean sprouts
- Carrots or snap peas
- Zucchini or green beans
- Bamboo shoots
Get creative with the ingredient combinations! Almost any veggie or protein will taste amazing in this flavorful stir-fry.
Savory Sauces and Seasonings
The sauces and seasonings are key for getting that signature chopsuey flavor. Try these tasty options:
Sauces:
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Fish sauce or vegan fish sauce
Seasonings:
- Rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce
- Five-spice powder
- Grated ginger or garlic
- White or black pepper
Mix and match different sauces and seasonings until you find your perfect medley of flavors! A touch of acid, sweet, spice and umami really brings this stir-fry to life.
What to Serve with Shrimp Chopsuey
This flavor-packed stir-fry pairs deliciously with:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Rice noodles or lo mein noodles
- Garlic bread for dipping
- Fried rice or cauliflower rice
- Fresh pineapple or orange wedges
A bowl of hot shrimp chopsuey with a side of rice or noodles makes a complete, satisfying meal everyone will love!
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Try
If you love shrimp stir-fries, try these tasty recipes next:
-
Shrimp Pad Thai – Rice noodles with shrimp, eggs, peanuts and tangy tamarind
-
Drunken Noodles – Spicy Thai noodles with shrimp, basil and veggies
-
Shrimp Lo Mein – Tender noodles and shrimp in a flavorful Chinese brown sauce
-
Shrimp Fried Rice – Fluffy rice studded with shrimp and veggies
-
Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya – A Louisiana classic!
The possibilities are endless when cooking with plump, juicy shrimp. This shrimp chopsuey is just the beginning. Enjoy!
FAQs
Got chopsuey questions? Here are some helpful answers:
How long does chopsuey keep in the fridge?
Leftovers will keep 3-4 days. The veggies may lose some crispness but the flavor will remain.
Can I freeze shrimp chopsuey?
Yes! Allow to cool completely then transfer to freezer bags or containers. It freezes well for 2-3 months.
What’s the best rice to serve with chopsuey?
Steamed white or brown jasmine rice is traditional. But cauliflower rice or rice noodles also pair nicely.
Do I have to use shrimp or can I sub chicken?
Feel free to swap in chicken, pork, tofu or your protein of choice! The sauce and veggies are the real star.
With this easy recipe and helpful tips, you’re ready to make quick and delicious shrimp chopsuey at home. Enjoy this savory stir-fry tonight!
The Sauces: The Soul of the Dish
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil work together to make a rich, flavorful base for your shrimp chop suey. Each sauce contributes a distinct taste profile that complements the shrimp and vegetables perfectly.
For those of you unfamiliar with this delightful dish, shrimp chop suey is a Chinese-American culinary jewel. It’s a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150g) bean sprouts
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon (15g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- Get the Shrimp Ready: Peel, devein, and rinse the shrimp. Use a paper towel to dry them off and set them aside.
- Chop the Veggies: Thinly slice your bell peppers and onion. Keep the bean sprouts whole.
- To make the sauce, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl using a whisk.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- To stir-fry the vegetables, put the last tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same wok. After you add the sliced vegetables, stir-fry them for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are just barely soft but still crisp.
- Combine and Cook: Add the shrimp back into the wok. Pour in the sauce and stir well to combine. Add two to three more minutes of cooking time, or until the sauce gets thick.
- Serve and Enjoy: Put your tasty shrimp chop suey on top of hot steamed rice or noodles.
Don’t skip on the sesame oil; it adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish. Also, make sure to fully thaw frozen shrimp before cooking them so that the chop suey doesn’t turn out watery.
- Author: WCC
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rice: The Comforting Companion
Nothing beats the classic combo of shrimp chop suey and white rice. The rice soaks up the flavors and adds a comforting texture. It’s like a big, warm hug for your taste buds!.