American Chop Suey
A beloved Indo-Chinese classic featuring a nest of crispy fried noodles generously topped with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce loaded with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Crowned with a perfect sunny-side-up egg, this dish is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Noodles
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Add the hakka noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 5-6 minutes). Do not overcook.
- d.Drain the noodles immediately and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
- e.Spread the noodles on a large plate or tray and let them air dry for at least 15-20 minutes. They should feel dry to the touch.
- f.Once dry, gently toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons of cornflour until they are lightly and evenly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Noodles
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep wok or kadai over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully take a quarter of the noodles and place them in the hot oil, forming a loose nest. Fry in 4 batches to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the noodles are golden brown and crispy.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the crispy noodle nest and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat for the remaining noodles.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Chicken and Vegetables
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a clean wok or large skillet over high heat.
- c.Add the minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- e.Add the sliced onion and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and capsicum.
- f.Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not soft.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Chop Suey Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. To the wok, add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- c.Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornflour with 4 tablespoons of water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- e.While stirring the sauce continuously, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry. Continue to stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry Eggs and Assemble
- b.In a separate small pan, fry the 4 eggs sunny-side up, or to your desired doneness.
- c.To assemble, place one crispy noodle nest on each of the four serving plates.
- d.Ladle a generous amount of the hot chicken and vegetable sauce over the center of the noodles.
- e.Carefully place a fried egg on top of the sauce.
- f.Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy noodles, you can boil them a day ahead, let them dry in the fridge, and then fry.
- 2Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the noodles; otherwise, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- 3Keep your vegetables prepped and ready before you start stir-frying, as the process is very quick.
- 4Do not pour the sauce over the noodles until the moment of serving to maintain their crunchiness.
- 5Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, or bean sprouts.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 200g of cubed firm tofu or paneer. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and baby corn.
SeafoodSeafood
Substitute the chicken with 250g of peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the shrimp after the vegetables and cook for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the amount of red chili sauce to 2 tablespoons, or add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies along with the ginger and garlic for an extra kick.
HealthierHealthier
Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the boiled noodles with a little oil until golden, or bake them in an air fryer or oven for a lower-fat version. The texture will be less crispy but still delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Complete Protein
The combination of chicken and eggs provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Packed with Vegetables
Featuring cabbage, carrots, capsicum, and onions, this dish delivers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and provides essential micronutrients.
Energy Provider
The noodles are a primary source of carbohydrates, which the body converts into glucose to provide the energy needed for daily activities and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
It's a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, the deep-fried noodles make it high in calories and fat. For a healthier version, you can pan-fry or bake the noodles and reduce the sugar in the sauce.