Chinese Chop Suey is a beloved stir-fry dish known for its vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables and savory sauce. Traditionally, it includes a variety of meats, but this vegetarian version swaps those out for wholesome plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal without compromising on texture or taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more veggies to your diet, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. The colorful medley of fresh vegetables combined with a savory, slightly tangy sauce makes it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
This vegetarian Chinese Chop Suey embraces simplicity and freshness, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that can be easily customized. Plus, it cooks in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet delicious.
Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Let’s dive into making this delightful dish that will soon become a staple in your recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chinese Chop Suey vegetarian style is a versatile dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, wholesome meal without sacrificing flavor.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber from a colorful mix of veggies.
- Customizable: Easily swap or add your favorite vegetables or tofu.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: No animal products needed, yet full of umami flavor.
- Great Leftovers: Keeps well in the fridge for a tasty next-day meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or shiitake)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or Napa cabbage)
- 1 cup bean sprouts (fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts (canned, drained)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian version) or hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Equipment
- Large wok or deep skillet
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl for sauce and cornstarch slurry
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables: Wash and chop mushrooms, celery, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, water chestnuts, and onion. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Swirl to coat the surface evenly.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add onion and carrots: Toss in the sliced onion and diced carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook mushrooms and celery: Add mushrooms and celery to the wok. Stir constantly for another 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender.
- Add remaining vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, cabbage, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts. Cook for 2-3 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp yet tender.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, and the cornstarch slurry. Stir well to combine.
- Pour sauce and thicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables in the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the veggies nicely, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season and garnish: Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish.
- Serve immediately: Spoon the chop suey over steamed rice or cooked noodles. Enjoy your wholesome, vegetarian meal!
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, keep the vegetables slightly crisp by stir-frying over high heat and not overcooking.”
- Protein boost: Add cubed firm tofu or tempeh for extra protein and heartiness.
- Spice it up: Include a dash of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili for a spicy kick.
- Different veggies: Swap in snow peas, baby corn, or bok choy depending on what’s fresh and available.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce alternative is gluten-free.
- Make it vegan: Ensure oyster sauce is the vegetarian variety or replace it with hoisin or mushroom sauce.
- Leftovers: Chop Suey tastes great cold or reheated, perfect for packed lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Vitamin A | 70% DV |
Vitamin C | 90% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian Chinese Chop Suey is best served hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles like lo mein or rice noodles. For a lighter option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or quinoa.
To complement the flavors, consider pairing with a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings. If you’re interested in exploring more delicious vegetarian dishes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a wholesome side, or for a sweet finish, indulge in the creamy delight of our Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.
Conclusion
Vegetarian Chinese Chop Suey is a delightful, quick-cooking dish that brings a burst of freshness and vibrant textures to your table. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, meat-free meal without compromising on flavor, this recipe is both accessible and adaptable to suit your pantry and taste preferences.
The combination of crisp vegetables, savory sauce, and simple preparation makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
With its nutritional benefits and ease of preparation, this chop suey can easily become a weeknight staple. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or add your favorite plant-based proteins to make it your own.
For more hearty meal ideas, you might also enjoy our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or explore unique flavors with our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Chop Suey Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A quick and flavorful vegetarian version of classic Chinese Chop Suey packed with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced firm tofu
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tofu, cabbage, and bean sprouts; cook for 3 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, vegetable broth, and cornstarch slurry; pour into skillet.
- Cook until sauce thickens and vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chinese Chop Suey Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegetarian version of classic Chinese Chop Suey packed with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “1 medium onion, sliced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup sliced mushrooms”, “1 cup shredded cabbage”, “1 cup bean sprouts”, “1 cup sliced bell peppers”, “1 cup diced firm tofu”, “1/2 cup sliced celery”, “1/2 cup sliced carrots”, “3 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water”, “1/2 cup vegetable broth”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms, bell peppers, celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in tofu, cabbage, and bean sprouts; cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix soy sauce, vegetable broth, and cornstarch slurry; pour into skillet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook until sauce thickens and vegetables are tender-crisp.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}