Easy Special Chopsuey Recipe
I. Introduction
A Filipino-style stir-fry loaded with mixed vegetables, tofu, and sometimes meat or shrimp in a light, savory sauce. This Easy Special Chopsuey Recipe represents a popular Filipino-Chinese fusion dish that’s commonly served over rice for a complete meal.
II. Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pork or chicken, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 lb firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
III. Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
IV. Instructions
- If using meat, marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add meat if using and cook until nearly done.
- Add tofu and stir-fry gently for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add hard vegetables first (carrots, bell peppers) and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add softer vegetables (cabbage, snow peas) and continue stir-frying.
- Mix oyster sauce, remaining soy sauce, and sesame oil; add to wok.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Cook for another minute until everything is well-coated and heated through.
V. Tips
Cut veggies uniformly for even cooking; add cashews for crunch. The key to good stir-frying is high heat and quick cooking. Add vegetables according to their cooking time – hard vegetables first, soft ones later. Don’t overcrowd the wok as this will cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat.
VI. Serving
Over steamed rice as a complete meal. This colorful dish makes for a nutritious and satisfying one-pot meal. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s both healthy and delicious. The variety of vegetables provides different textures and flavors that make each bite interesting.
VII. Storage
Keeps 3 days; reheat in a pan to retain texture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a small amount of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The vegetables may soften slightly during storage but the dish will still taste delicious.
