American Chop Suey with Egg
A delightful Indo-Chinese classic featuring a bed of crispy fried noodles generously topped with a sweet and tangy vegetable and chicken gravy. A perfectly fried egg on top makes it an irresistible meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook and Fry the Noodles
- b.Boil the hakka noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Do not overcook.
- c.Drain thoroughly and spread on a large plate to cool and air dry completely. Once dry, toss with 1 tbsp of corn flour until lightly coated.
- d.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the noodles in 3-4 small batches for 3-4 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy.
- e.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set the crispy noodle nests aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Sauce Mixture
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato ketchup, light soy sauce, red chilli sauce, white vinegar, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Chicken and Vegetables
- b.Carefully discard the excess frying oil from the wok, leaving about 2 tbsp. Heat the wok over high heat.
- c.Add the minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the chicken strips and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is opaque and cooked through.
- e.Add the sliced onion, julienned carrot, and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- f.Finally, add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for another minute.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create and Thicken the Gravy
- b.Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything.
- c.Add the vegetable stock and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- d.In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of corn flour with 1/4 cup of water to make a smooth slurry with no lumps.
- e.While stirring the gravy continuously, slowly pour in the corn flour slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry the Eggs
- b.In a separate small frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry them sunny-side up, or to your preference, for 2-3 minutes.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.To serve, place a crispy noodle nest on each plate or in a shallow bowl.
- c.Ladle a generous amount of the hot chicken and vegetable gravy over the noodles.
- d.Carefully place a fried egg on top of the gravy.
- e.Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately to enjoy the textural contrast.
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, ensure they are completely dry before frying. You can even let them air dry for 30 minutes after boiling.
- 2Fry noodles in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, preventing them from becoming greasy or soggy.
- 3Keep your vegetables crunchy by stir-frying quickly on high heat. Do not overcook them.
- 4Adjust the sauce ingredients before adding to the pan. Taste for the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy.
- 5Serve immediately. The contrast between the hot, savory gravy and the crispy noodles is the highlight of the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with 200g of cubed paneer, firm tofu, or a mix of mushrooms and baby corn. Add them after the onions and stir-fry until lightly browned.
SeafoodSeafood
Use 200g of peeled and deveined prawns instead of chicken. Add them after the vegetables and cook just until they turn pink and curl, about 2-3 minutes.
Spicy Dragon Chop SueySpicy Dragon Chop Suey
Increase the red chilli sauce to 2 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha or a finely chopped green chilli along with the ginger and garlic for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of chicken and egg provides high-quality complete protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Packed with Vegetables
Featuring carrots, capsicum, cabbage, and onions, this dish delivers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and provides essential nutrients.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from the noodles provide a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying and fulfilling meal.
Frequently asked questions
The key is to boil them al dente, drain them completely, and let them air dry. Tossing them in a little corn flour before frying creates a light, crispy coating. Frying in hot oil in small batches is also crucial to maintain temperature.