Shrimp Chop Suey is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine to your kitchen. Featuring tender shrimp, a medley of crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will please any palate.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Deveined shrimp
Sliced carrots
Edamame
Bean sprouts
Chopped baby bok choy
Sliced bell pepper
Broccoli florets
Sliced white onion
Scallions

For the Sauce:

Minced garlic
Ginger paste
Cornstarch
Vegetable broth
Mirin
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Sesame oil
Coarse black pepper
Red pepper flakes

For Serving:

Sesame seeds
Basmati rice

Directions

Cook the Rice: Prepare basmati rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, ginger paste, cornstarch, vegetable broth, mirin, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Marinate the Shrimp: Remove ¼ cup of the prepared sauce and toss it with the shrimp in a separate bowl to coat.
Blanch the Vegetables: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl with ice water. Blanch carrots, bok choy, bell pepper, onion, scallions, and broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the ice water to halt cooking.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat canola oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sauté the blanched vegetables and edamame for about 4 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp: Push the vegetables to the side of the wok and add the marinated shrimp to the center. Cook for about 1 minute on each side until pink and cooked through.
Combine and Simmer: Pour the remaining sauce into the wok, reduce heat to a simmer, and stir to combine all ingredients. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve: Serve the shrimp chop suey over cooked basmati rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

Nutrients (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g

The Origins of Shrimp Chop Suey

Chop Suey is often considered an Americanized version of Chinese stir-fry, created by Chinese immigrants in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It became a popular dish in Chinese-American restaurants, especially in areas with large Chinese communities. The word “chop suey” translates to “mixed pieces” in Cantonese, which perfectly describes the dish’s mix of various vegetables, proteins, and seasonings.

While the exact origins of Shrimp Chop Suey are unclear, it is believed that the dish was invented as a way to make use of leftover ingredients. The beauty of Chop Suey lies in its adaptability—any combination of vegetables or protein can be used, making it a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit individual tastes or the ingredients available.

Shrimp Chop Suey, in particular, gained popularity due to the versatility of shrimp as a protein. Shrimp cook quickly, making them ideal for fast stir-fry dishes, and they pair beautifully with a wide range of vegetables and sauces.

Why Shrimp Chop Suey is a Great Dish

Shrimp Chop Suey is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy home cooks. This dish can be put together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The combination of fresh vegetables and protein-rich shrimp makes this dish a balanced meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.

The beauty of Shrimp Chop Suey lies in its flexibility. While the base ingredients—shrimp, vegetables, and a savory sauce—remain consistent, you can easily swap out vegetables or use a different protein, depending on what you have on hand. For example, if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, you could add chicken or tofu to the dish. The sauce can also be adjusted to suit your taste, with options for making it spicier or adding a hint of sweetness.

Shrimp Chop Suey is also a great dish for meal prep. You can prepare the components ahead of time and cook them quickly when you’re ready to eat. It’s a perfect option for those looking to prepare healthy meals in advance without sacrificing flavor.

A Nutrient-Packed Dish

One of the standout features of Shrimp Chop Suey is its nutritional value. The dish is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the vegetables, while the shrimp provides a lean source of protein. Here’s a closer look at some of the key health benefits of the ingredients used in this dish:

Shrimp: Shrimp are an excellent source of high-quality protein and are low in calories and fat. They are also rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which are important for supporting the body’s metabolic processes and immune function. Additionally, shrimp are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Vegetables: The vegetables in Shrimp Chop Suey provide a wealth of nutrients. For example, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is important for eye health, while bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Bok choy is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, and broccoli contains antioxidants that support healthy cell function and reduce inflammation.
Edamame and Bean Sprouts: Edamame, young soybeans, are a great plant-based source of protein and fiber, while bean sprouts are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as folate. Together, these ingredients help to create a balanced, nutrient-dense dish that is both filling and good for your health.
Sauce Ingredients: The sauce ingredients, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce, add flavor without adding significant calories. Sesame oil, in particular, contains healthy fats that support heart health, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid digestion and reduce nausea.

Customizing Shrimp Chop Suey

One of the best aspects of Shrimp Chop Suey is its versatility. You can customize the dish to suit your dietary preferences or make use of what’s in your fridge. For example, if you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a small amount of honey or brown sugar to the mix.

You can also adjust the vegetables based on what’s available or what you prefer. For example, if you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you can swap them for zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas. Similarly, if you’re not keen on bok choy, you can use spinach, kale, or another leafy green in its place. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to get creative with the ingredients.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this dish, simply replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh. Both options are great sources of plant-based protein and will still give the dish the satisfying texture you’re looking for.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Chop Suey can be served in a variety of ways. The most common accompaniment is steamed rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce and makes the dish more filling. For a low-carb version, you can serve it with cauliflower rice, which is a great alternative to regular rice.

If you want to make the dish a bit more decadent, you can serve it with some crispy fried noodles on the side, adding extra texture and crunch. Alternatively, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.

This dish is also a great option for meal prepping. You can prepare the shrimp, vegetables, and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the components in a hot wok or pan for a quick and easy meal.

Health Benefits of Shrimp Chop Suey

In addition to being a delicious and satisfying dish, Shrimp Chop Suey is packed with health benefits. The high protein content from the shrimp, combined with the fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, makes this a well-balanced and nutritious meal. The antioxidants in the vegetables, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, help boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Shrimp Chop Suey is a fantastic dish that brings together the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and flavorful sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at your next gathering, this stir-fry is sure to satisfy. The versatility of the ingredients allows you to tailor it to your tastes, making it a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.

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