Chop Suey

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: cabbage

Tofu provides a plant-based option, while cabbage is less expensive.

shrimp

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Chicken breast is leaner and canned tuna is budget-friendly.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos is often cheaper.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats, while canola is often less expensive.

Fill a bowl halfway with ice and enough water to cover the ice. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt for each quart of water. Set aside.

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring 3 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for about 1 minute, or until half-cooked. With a slotted spoon, remove from the pan and plunge into an ice bath.

Add broccoli and cauliflower to the boiling water and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until half-done. With a slotted spoon, remove from the pan and plunge into an ice bath. Add the cabbage to the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds, or until half-cooked. With a slotted spoon, remove from the pan and plunge into an ice bath. Add the peppers to the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds, or until half-cooked. With a slotted spoon, remove from the pan and plunge into an ice bath.

Reserve the poaching liquid (the one used to blanch vegetables). Drain vegetables from the ice bath when they are cold.

In a wok or wide skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.

Add chicken and cook, stirring regularly, until the color changes.

In a bowl, combine 2 cups of the reserved poaching liquid and oyster sauce. Add to the skillet and bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add the liver and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until cooked through.

Add parboiled vegetables, baby corn, and quail eggs, stirring gently to combine, and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of cold water with cornstarch and stir until dissolved. Add mixture to the pan, stirring gently. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens