Looking for a dish with veggies dominating it? Well, here’s the best Chop Suey for you!
While this is not for kids, as seen and observed by me, it is definitely one of the dishes adults really appreciate. It is healthy and tasty at the same time.
When I was a kid, I was offered this dish by mom, but my young mind and taste buds were not ready for it. I would usually cry whenever I would be fed by mom with veggies, and sure, you too when you were little boys or girls, you would usually avoid healthy food.
Now that we are old enough to understand that it’s not always meat and processed food and veggies also are delicious in their own ways, this type of dish is much loved. Thus, for your sake, I will share with you how it is cooked.
Before the very important recipe, let’s discuss first what it is and everything that circles around its axis. Read on!

What Is Chopsuey?
Chopsuey American-Chinese cuisine which consists of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, baby corn, red bell pepper, chayote with a little meat or shrimps, like chicken or pork of shrimp and with a thick sauce, a mixture of water and starch. Some also opt for adding quail eggs to it.
Although the name sounds too chinese and may chinese restaurants offer this, this well loved stir-fried veggies, meat and egg dish is believed that it was invented in New York City on August 29, 1896.
Chinese Diplomat, Li Hongzhang, was in the said city and was thinking of a dish for his guests, including Americans. Despite his love for Chinese cuisines, he was smart enough to realize that those who will eat the food were not Chinese, so he thought of something that would be appreciated by both Chinese and Americans, and that moment gave birth to Chop Suey.
There might not be any Filipino stuff involved in the origin of the Chop Suey, but this dish has been a staple to us. Even on birthdays or special occasions, like weddings, this dish is served. Pinoys, however, love chicken so much that when we cook Chop Suey nowadays, we add Chicken liver and Gizzard to it.
Variations of Chopsuey
Chopsuey American-Chinese cuisine which consists of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, baby corn, red bell pepper, chayote with a little meat or shrimps, like chicken or pork of shrimp and with a thick savory sauce, a mixture of water and starch that would cover all the combined ingredients of Chop Suey infused to perfection. Some also opt for adding quail eggs to it. It is well known for having assorted pieces of many ingredients and was usually best partnered with many famous foods.
It is effortless and quick to prepare a perfect dish for busy weekends, family gatherings, friends' hangouts, food trips, and any occasion. Its combination of meat and various vegetables is infused with rich taste and nutrients, too. Since it is not only vegetables but also has a little mix of meat, this is something that people who are not into eating veggies would appreciate. The ever flavorful Chop Suey is an easy Pinoy favorite that your family will surely love.

With its many ingredients, it is a blend of different flavors pleasing to your taste buds. It is advantageous not only to fill in your stomach or satisfy your hunger but also to your nutritional demand—a wholesome meal with a bunch of rich, delightfully tasty, and healthy ingredients.
Although the name sounds too Chinese and many Chinese restaurants offer this, this well-loved stir-fried veggies, meat, and egg dish is believed to have been invented in New York City on August 29, 1896.
Chinese Diplomat, Li Hongzhang, was in the said city and thought of a dish for his guests, including Americans. Despite his love for Chinese cuisines, he was smart enough to realize that those who will eat the food were not Chinese, so he thought of something that would be appreciated by both Chinese and Americans, and that moment gave birth to Chop Suey. Now, it is popularly known on almost every restaurants' plates on the corners of the world. While some are not aware of this recipe yet, our goal of sharing this recipe is to be acquainted with the good news.
There might not be much Filipino staff involved in the Chop Suey's origin, but this dish has been a staple to us. Even on birthdays or special occasions, like weddings, this dish is served. However, Pinoys love chicken so much that we add Chicken liver and Gizzard to it when we cook Chop Suey. It is one dish that has a lot to offer, it is not only consisting of vegetables, but there are a lot more. You can also add meat or eggs to make it more savory. Talking about good food, this dish has a lot to offer, combining different nutritious and appetizing ingredients in one. Chop Suey is generous in offering us the different flavors like bombs to your mouth as your teeth grit every bit of it.
Filipinos have been fans of this dish for so many years. It was one of the most sought after foods on the table. This has become an irresistible dish on the table. There is no way you would not give space for it on your plate when you see it. It is just a simple dish to prepare, but it offers a very delightful meal. Chop Suey was so famous among other dishes because of how ideally it has turned a healthy and nutritious food in the most delightful way possible.
Why Eat Chop Suey?
To reiterate, this dish is dominated by veggies, so it’s a no brainer that it’s something super healthy to eat. With all its ingredients full of vitamins and minerals, surely adults and health conscious would love it. To give you more ideas about its pros, below are some of its ingredients that are health beneficial.
We are sure you have already heard of Chop Suey, and just by hearing it, you can imagine the festive chunky ingredients combined to come up with the perfect Chop Suey. Some people may say it's just cooked mixed vegetables, and there's nothing special about it, but we are here to prove it wrong. If you have not tried it yet, we are sure you would be surprised by your first taste. To protect your health, you must first be conscious of what you eat. Being health-conscious does not have to be expensive. Sometimes you have to find just the right food to eat. Chop Suey can be prepared in less than half an hour, but this classic is surely worth a thousand praises.
Vegetables as the main ingredients of this dish are characterized as food that boosts health and helps cure illnesses. With this being said, medicines do not have to be bitter anymore. You might be skipping the good way to recover. We have discovered that vegetables have a significant role in living a healthy diet lifestyle and assisting in expediting recovery. If you wonder what could help you recover better than medicine, then keep on reading - you're exactly where you need to be.
There are a lot of comments on how it tastes, as well as its numerous vitamin contents.
To give you more ideas about its pros, below are some of its ingredients that are health beneficial.
Benefits of Some of Chopsuey Ingredients
1.Cabbage
It is a green or red leafy vegetable that is packed with so many health benefits.

- It is a great source of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, a great antioxidant that helps in fighting diseases, like cancer. This also protects us from free radicals that can damage our body.
- It improves our digestion as it also has fiber. Also, the soluble fiber this contains, can lower bad cholesterol level.
- Other nutrients Cabbage contains include Vitamin K, Folate, Calcium, B6, Manganese, Potassium and Magnesium.
2. Carrots
It ain’t just a crunchy vegetable for rabbits. It has lots of benefits.

- It is a great source of plant compounds, Carotenoids, useful for reducing the risk of cancer and for keeping eyes healthy.
- It has vitamins and minerals such as potassium, biotin, Vitamins B6, A (from beta carotene) and K1 (phylloquinone).
- It also helps in lowering blood cholesterol.
- Its soluble fiber can help lower blood sugar level.
3. Red Bell Pepper
More than its being sweet, crunchy and spicy, we should also talk about the benefits it can bring us.

- It can improve metabolic rate and can help activate thermogenesis, says recent study.
- It is a great source of Vitamin A, which helps in maitining good eye-sight.
- It helps in preventing anemia through Vitamin B6 and folate.
- It also has an antioxidant, Vitamin C.
4. Cauliflower
It is not the flower you give to your special someone, but it does its job of making a dish more beneficial.

- It has vitamin C for collagen production.
- It contains vitamin K to prevent bone loss.
- Just like other cruciferous vegetables, Cauliflower contains Indole-3-carbinol for detoxifying.
- It helps in strengthening our immune system.
- It helps reduce high blood pressure.
- It helps protect our cells from DNA damage because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Baby Corn
This might be small, but it is terrible in a good way. As they say big surprises come in small packages.

- It is low in calories, so it’s good to add to your diet plan.
- It has carotenoids, which helps in maintaining healthy eyes.
- It helps you feel full for a longer period of time as it is rich in fiber which takes long to digest.
- Also, just like other veggies, baby corn has soluble fiber which controls blood sugar level and helps us have healthy digestion.
6. Chayote

- Rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Has antioxidants that can protect cells from being damage.
- It is good for heart health through the compounds it contains.
- It is for weight loss as it is low in calories, but high in fiber, which takes longest to digest, making you feel full for a longer period of time.
- It also improves one’s digestion.
7. Quail Eggs
It is time to crack the benefits of this small but terrible quail egg. We often see this tiny and cute ingredient in a lot of dishes. Why? It is because all good things have been incorporated into a single shell! According to research, quail eggs are healthier as compared to other eggs consumed by humans. It is considered as one of the superfoods as it contains a lot of health benefits. It is also made available in the market and is widely used in recipes all over the world.
- It is rich in amino acids and choline essential in long-lasting bone strength, most especially in children. It has an array of nutrients that fortifies our bones.
- It has antioxidants that help ease and treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
- Quail eggs are rich in Vitamin B, proven to speed up our metabolism. It helps bring down the food you eat and transform it into energy. This helps us to keep high levels of energy and to keep our focus maintained.
- It is rich in Zinc and Potassium, helping lessen the risk of osteoporosis or bone weakening diseases.
- Helps boost the formation of red blood cells and maintain optimal energy levels. You will also have a speedy recovery after a cold or flu if you have added this to your diet.
- It improves immune function and gifts you a razor-sharp memory and cognition.
- It prevents anemia and helps fight cancer. It was not proven to cure cancer yet, but its nutrients are essential to protect body cells from radicals that cause cancer.
- It has been found to be rich in antidepressants. This can help relieve depression and anxiety of people who are experiencing it. It has a compound that does not let the effects of depression overcome.
- Helps lower the chances of a terminal illness.
Chop Suey’s Taste Problems to Fix
Chop Suey, with a lot of ingredients, most probably will have problems with its taste after you have cooked it. Thus, I have listed below some of the samples and how you can fix them.
Bland
Probably the easiest to solve and one of the most common problems too. To solve this, just add salt fish sauce, taste, then add again if needed. Better yet, add oyster or soy sauce.
Salty
The saltiness depends on oyster and salt. When it turns out too salty, just add water then taste until the desired balance is achieved.
Too Watery Sauce
While this may not be an issue for some, in case you want a thicker sauce, just make a mixture of cornstarch and water in a bowl. Make sure that cornstarch is dominant, then pour the ticker sauce in the pan, then boil. The thicker sauce will become just thick because it will be mixed with the watery sauce. Make sure to add oyster sauce and salt to avoid bland taste.
Too Thick Sauce
Some people just don’t want their to be too thick, so just add water. Again, add the necessary agents for the saltiness.
Tips in Cooking Chop Suey
There are tips you might want to hear before you make your own Chop Suey. Thus, here are some pieces of advice you might consider.

- To avoid blandness and saltiness, make sure to do the add-then-taste-then-add technique.
- Do not overcook the vegetables to retain at least a big percentage of their textures. Also, they are meant to be half cooked.
- It is suggested that you chop meat smaller than bite-sized as they are not the main ingredients to be seen. You don’t want to overpower your vegetables.
- Make sure that you debone your chicken to not affect the texture of the dish.
Fun Facts About Chopsuey
- Did you know that in the Philippines, Chop Suey has a similarity to Pancit Bihon Guisado? Just remove the pancit, then have a ticker sauce, then there you have it, Chop Suey!
- Although many believe that it originated in the U.S, there is another story that is believed by some people to be the real origin of Chop Suey. A scholar of chinese food and anthropologist, E. N. Anderson discovered that the dish actually came from the words tsap seui which translate to “miscellaneous leftovers”, and this another trace is somehow not as enticing as this dish now.
This Dish Is Best Served With
1. Steamed Rice
Eat like a true Pinoy by having this as a perfect partner for Chop Suey, or should we say, a perfect partner for almost any pinoy dish.
2. Fried Chicken
Chop Suey already has a sauce, so what it needs is something fried but juicy, and that’s none other than, Fried Chicken.
3. Fried Fish with Bagoong for the Dip
If it is not Fried chicken, then better have fried fish on the side with matching saltiness and sweetness from Shrimp paste.
4. Pork Chop
Again, fried dishes just go along well with this dish, so having Pork Chop is logical. Since you don’t want to over power the vegetables in your Chop Suey, then a separate Pork dish is go to dish.
5. Grilled Fish
If you want less oil type of cooking for a side dish, try this Grilled Fish. It can be Tilapia (St.Peter’s Fish) or Bangus (Milkfish) or fish you want.
6. Lumpiang Shanghai
This dish, basically, has ground pork, grated carrots, minced onion, chopped parsley and other spices wrapped in lumpia wrapper. It is a perfect partner for Chop Suey. The wrapper, when deep-friend, is crispy which is not present in Chop Suey, and there’s perfect amount of juiciness in the filling.
Conclusion
Eating is just not about taste and flavors, and it is more than staying alive and filling your stomach in. With the vast choices of food, all have been considered as an experience. From the first bite up to the last sip and munch, it has brought us more than a sense of taste. Sometimes, by tasting a particular dish, a sentimental memory would cross our mind, or sometimes we will feel like we're in a different place. Family bonding is also celebrated over food, and we want only the best food for them.
A dish that is delicious and has plenty of health benefits - Chop Suey it is! The good thing about Chop Suey is that you can use as many varieties of vegetables and meat as you want and other additions as you like. It is endlessly customizable and easy to make to whatever vegetables you have on hand. We only have a few foods of these characteristics. No wonder why Chop Suey was a star at the table.
People who dislike eating vegetables will probably change their minds if they get the chance to try it. If you have already tried this dish before, then you know what we were talking about. If you have not tried it yet, we bet you have been thinking of having it for your next meal. This dish is easy to make with the ingredients readily available in the market or even in your own garden. People have made their own recipes for this famous dish, but we have found the best recipe by far for you.
For more delicious recipe, visit Eat Like Pinoy!
Recipe
Best Chopsuey Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ lb Chicken's Liver and Gizzard
- ½ lb Pork meat
- 2 pcs Tofu cubed
- 1 pc Chayote small, sliced thinly
- 1 pc Carrot small, sliced
- 1 pc Red Bell Pepper sliced
- 1 lb Cabbage
- 1 lb Bok Choy or Pechay
- 8 pcs Baguio Beans
- 1 pc Cauliflower small
- 1 stem Celery
- ½ cup Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Crushed Black Pepper
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 pc Onion large
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon Cooking oil in a pan.
- Sauté garlic. Add onion and continue to saute until the onion becomes soft.
- Add liver and gizzard. Stir fry until light brown. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then add 1 cup of water. Cook and simmer while covered for 20 minutes.
- Then add the remaining water with chayote and carrot. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the tofu, baguio beans, and cauliflower. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients; cabbage, red bell pepper, celery, and bok choy (pechay). Then, mix them well until it boils.
- While boiling, put the cornstarch and stir until the sauce gets thick.
- Serve while hot.