Savory Vegetarian Chop Suey Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re in the mood for a delicious and satisfying meal that screams comfort food, I have just the recipe for you! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to my favorite vegetarian recipe, the Vegetarian Chop Suey – a delightful dish that’s popular in Filipino cuisine.

This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for an easy-to-make and healthy meal option that’s perfect for sharing with your loved ones. The best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip up this tasty and filling dish.

This recipe calls for a few key ingredients like vegetables, Canola oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, and chicken-flavored vegetarian seasoning. It’s a great way to make use of the veggies sitting in your fridge, giving them new life alongside the rich flavors of other components in this dish.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner with your family or a special occasion with your friends and loved ones, this vegetarian recipe is perfect in every way. So buckle up and let’s get ready to embark on one incredible culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian Chop Suey (Filipino)
Vegetarian Chop Suey (Filipino)

Are you looking for a tasty and nutritious dish that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further, because this Vegetarian Chop Suey Recipe is the answer to your prayers! As a vegan chef, I am committed to providing meals that are both delicious and healthy for you. This recipe is packed with assorted vegetables, making it an ideal dish for every health-conscious soul.

Not only is this dish chock-full of vitamins and minerals, but it is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. So whether you are a vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your diet, you will appreciate the wholesome goodness of this recipe.

What sets this Filipino-style chop suey apart from other vegetable dishes is its thick gravy-like sauce. The unique blend of ingredients creates a savory yet sweet taste that is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal that will satisfy even the most voracious appetites.

But wait, there’s more! This recipe is super versatile, allowing for substitutions or variations depending on your preferences or the ingredients you have available. From using different types of vegetables to adding shrimp or chicken liver to the mix, there are endless possibilities for making this dish your own.

So what are you waiting for? Give this Vegetarian Chop Suey Recipe a try today and experience the flavorful magic of Filipino cuisine in the comfort of your own home!

Ingredient List

 Enjoy a healthy, hearty meal with this Filipino chop suey recipe!
Enjoy a healthy, hearty meal with this Filipino chop suey recipe!

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious vegetarian chop suey:

  • Canola oil: It’s a great option for sauteing vegetables as it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
  • Onion: Adds a savory and slightly sweet taste to the dish.
  • Garlic cloves: Gives the dish its characteristic strong aroma and taste.
  • Celery: Provides a crunchy texture and delicate flavor.
  • Green bell pepper: Brings in a refreshing and mildly sweet flavor.
  • Head broccoli: A cruciferous vegetable that adds depth, nutrition, and earthy flavors to the recipe.
  • Head cauliflower: Another cruciferous veggie that balances out the flavors of the chop suey with its mild, nutty taste.
  • Snow peas: An edible-podded sweet vegetable, that brings succulent texture and sweetness to the dish.
  • Chayote: A pear-shaped tropical vegetable fruit that is versatile in many dishes, brings a touch of tang, mild flavor, and crunchiness to this dish.
  • Cabbage: Brings a cruciferous touch similar to broccoli, but with a sweeter almost peppery nuance.
  • Carrots: Slightly sweet and crunchy, it adds bright color and the nutritional benefits of beta carotene to this recipe.
  • Green beans: With their unique crispy snap texture plus robust taste, green beans blend in scrumptiously into this Chop Suey recipe.

For the sauce:

  • Soy sauce: A salty fermented sauce used for cooking or as condiment in different types of cuisines. Soy sauce adds umami depth and saltiness to any recipe that calls for salt.

To thicken up the sauce:

  • Cornstarch: This natural carbohydrate from corn helps thicken up sauces to that gravy-like consistency you need for these types of dishes.

To give a meat-flavor (explained for vegan consumption):

  • Chicken-flavored vegetarian seasoning: This is an excellent vegan option substitute instead of using real chicken broth or powder. It brings in a savory aroma without compromising your values.

As an alternative:

  • Soymilk or milk: These can both be used in place of water for richer liquid consistency in your sauce.

Note that this vegetarian chop suey recipe uses 16 vegetables plus soy sauce as its main ingredient for flavor!

The Recipe How-To

 This colorful dish is packed with nutrients and flavor.
This colorful dish is packed with nutrients and flavor.

Now, let me take you through the steps on how to create this delicious vegetarian chop suey recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 white onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced diagonally
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • handful of snow peas
  • 1 chayote, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cabbage, shredded
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
  • a handful of green beans
  • 5 oz of La Choy Chop Suey Vegetables (or your own mix of canned or fresh vegetables)

(Make sure that you wash all the vegetables properly since it might contain some residues)

(The La Choy brand is popular in Asian grocery stores in the US but feel free to use whatever brand you prefer.)

For the sauce:

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup soymilk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • chicken-flavored vegetarian seasoning
  • soy sauce to taste

Step-by-step Guide:

  1. In a large wok or skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Once heated, saute the onion and garlic until fragrant.

  2. Add celery and cook for another minute.

  3. Add green bell pepper and cook for another minute.

  4. Add all remaining vegetables except the La Choy Chop Suey and cook for about three minutes.

  5. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix together water, soymilk (or milk), cornstarch and chicken-flavored vegetarian seasoning. Start with just a pinch of seasoning and increase according to your preference.

  6. Once mixed well, pour the sauce over the cooked vegetables in your wok.

  7. Let it simmer for about three minutes or until the sauce thickens up like a gravy-like consistency.

  8. Add La Choy Chop Suey Vegetables to combine with other vegetables cooked in the thick gravy-like sauce from step #7.

  9. Season with soy sauce according to your taste preference.

  10. Serve immediately with rice or noodles depending on your preference.

This recipe yields enough for four servings and cooking time will take around 30 minutes only! It’s perfect even for busy weekday meals!

Substitutions and Variations

 You'll love the combination of crunchy veggies in this stir-fry.
You’ll love the combination of crunchy veggies in this stir-fry.

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch up the flavors in this Filipino vegetarian chop suey recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.

Instead of using soymilk, you can use regular milk or a nut milk such as almond or cashew. You can also substitute the chicken-flavored vegetarian seasoning with vegetable bouillon or even miso paste for a different depth of umami flavor.

For the vegetables, feel free to swap out any of the listed options with your favorites or what’s available in your local market. You can even add some quail eggs, shrimp or chicken liver for added protein. Bell peppers add a touch of sweetness, while oyster sauce gives an extra savory note.

If you prefer a gluten-free version, use cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of flour-based alternatives like La Choy Chop Suey Sauce. Vegetable noodles are also a great option if you want to make it a lighter dish.

Mix it up and experiment with various combinations – there really is no wrong way to make chop suey!

Serving and Pairing

 A perfect dish to make for your vegan friends or family members.
A perfect dish to make for your vegan friends or family members.

Now that your vegetarian chop suey is ready, it’s time to eat! This dish is versatile and pairs well with different options. The dish is already a complete meal on its own, but if you prefer to have extra protein, you can add tofu, tempeh or seitan. Serve it over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.

If you’re looking to elevate your chop suey experience, you can serve it with some crunchy bean sprouts or a side of crispy spring rolls. A cold glass of sweet iced tea would be the perfect beverage to calm down the spiciness of this dish.

This savory vegetable chop suey also makes an excellent side for any Filipino main course like chicken adobo or pork afritada. Alternatively, it can be served as the main dish accompanied by stir-fried snow peas or bok choy as a side.

Bon appétit!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Add a pop of green to your plate with fresh celery and broccoli.
Add a pop of green to your plate with fresh celery and broccoli.

As a busy chef, I know how important it is to plan ahead and make the most of your time. That’s why I recommend making a big batch of this vegetarian chop suey recipe and storing it for future meals. You won’t have to worry about cooking every night or sacrificing the benefits of a fresh meal.

When it comes to storing this dish, you’ll want to make sure it’s in an airtight container in your fridge. It can last up to 4 days before you’ll want to consume it or toss it out. To reheat simply add some water or vegetable broth, and heat it either in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also use a crockpot on low heat for about two hours, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through.

To make things even easier, you can prepare the chop sui ingredients up to two days ahead of time, and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pull them out and follow the steps as per usual. This will take off any stress of having to do all the prep work when you’re ready to eat.

This is also an ideal recipe for meal prepping, as you can package individual servings and enjoy them later throughout the week. Just remember that if you add any noodles or rice to your chop sui mix, they will absorb more moisture over time if stored together in the fridge.

Lastly, if you are looking for a creative twist on this classic Filipino recipe, try adding some Quail eggs or chicken liver into your mix. These ingredients provide extra flavor and texture that pairs well with the various vegetables in this dish.

In conclusion, preparing ahead of time will save you so much time in your busy schedule while not sacrificing flavour and nutrition! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques when meal prepping this delectable vegetarian chop suey!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Make this dish your own by adding your favorite veggies and spices.
Make this dish your own by adding your favorite veggies and spices.

Stir-frying is one of my favorite cooking techniques because it’s quick, easy, and versatile. When making vegetarian chop suey, whether you’re a beginner cook or seasoned pro in the kitchen, there are a few tips that can help you achieve perfect results every time.

First and foremost, be prepared! Before turning on the stove, make sure that all ingredients are washed, chopped and ready to go. As this dish requires quick cooking on high heat, it’s important to have everything prepped ahead of time. Mise en place is key!

When stir-frying your vegetables, try not to overcrowd the pan. Adding too many veggies at once can quickly lower the temperature of the wok, causing the ingredients to steam rather than fry. For best results, I suggest dividing the vegetables into smaller portions and stir-frying them one at a time before combining them towards the end of the recipe.

A good stir-fry sauce is essential to this dish, as it brings all of the flavors together. In our vegetarian chop suey recipe, we use soy sauce for saltiness and La Choy Chop Suey for depth of flavor. To add extra umami taste to your recipe, try adding oyster sauce instead of soy sauce.

Another tip for perfect results is using arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch. Arrowroot starch has a neutral flavor and produces a clearer sauce than cornstarch.

Finally, when serving your vegetarian chop suey dish, make sure that it is piping hot! There’s nothing worse than a lukewarm stir-fry dish. If you need to reheat leftovers, add some water or vegetable broth to loosen up the thickened sauce before reheating.

By following these tips and tricks for perfecting your vegetarian chop suey dish at home will take your culinary skills up a notch while also expanding your knowledge on Asian-inspired cuisine.

FAQ

Before ending this vegetarian chop suey recipe article, let me share with you a few frequently asked questions (FAQ) and their answers. These questions cover some common concerns you may have about the preparation process of this dish, the ingredients involved, and some possible substitutions. So whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner looking to explore new flavors, these FAQs can help you make this dish with ease and confidence.

Is chop suey Chinese or Filipino?

Chop suey is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine as well as in American Chinese cuisine. It typically includes an assortment of meats such as chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or fish, and is cooked with vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery. The dish is then coated in a sauce thickened with starch and often includes eggs.

What is vegetable chop suey made of?

Elevate your usual meals with the addition of La Choy Chop Suey Vegetables that offer a unique blend of Asian-inspired veggies, such as bean sprouts, onions, and carrots. You can find this vegetable mix in a 14 oz. container.

What is difference between chow mein and chop suey?

When preparing chow mein, the noodles are cooked and added to a wok together with the other ingredients, where everything is cooked as one dish. However, for a chop suey dish, the ingredients are cooked separately from the noodles or rice, and the dish is served by combining the two in a bowl and pouring the sauce over them.

What are the ingredients in La Choy Chop Suey vegetables?

For this recipe, you will need a handful of fresh and crunchy bean sprouts, some crisp celery, and a few flavorsome water chestnuts. You’ll also need a few common kitchen staples like onions, carrots, and bamboo shoots, along with some salt and water to cook everything in. To bring out the flavors even more, we’ll be adding in a touch of sugar, some red bell peppers, and a few savory seasonings like dehydrated garlic, monosodium glutamate, citric acid, and ascorbic acid (which helps to protect the color of the dish).

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this vegetarian Chop Suey recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves stir-fried vegetable dishes. Not only is it packed with flavor and nutrition, but it is also incredibly easy to make with the right ingredients and steps. This recipe has been designed to cater to both those who are vegan or vegetarian, and those who simply want to try something new and healthy.

The variations you can make in this dish are endless, and the ingredients can be easily substituted based on what you have available. Whether you want to add quail eggs or chicken liver, this recipe can accommodate all of your preferences while still maintaining its authenticity.

In essence, making this dish is an opportunity for you to explore new tastes and broaden your culinary horizons. It is also a chance to experiment with a different type of cuisine that might not be common in your area. So why not give it a shot? I guarantee that you will love the rich textures and flavors of this scrumptious chop suey recipe!

Don’t hesitate any longer; equip yourself with these useful tips and tricks for cooking the best vegetarian Chop Suey today! You’ll thank yourself once you’ve got a taste of this delicious dish.

Vegetarian Chop Suey (Filipino)

Vegetarian Chop Suey (Filipino) Recipe

This is a popular vegetable stir fry made in the Philippines. My good Filipino friend and helper, Marina, has made this for our family several times and we always enjoy it. Use a vegetarian or vegan chicken seasoning like McKay's Chicken Seasoning to make it vegetarian or vegan and use soymilk. Serve it with a side of rice.
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Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Calories 262.8 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 (15 ounce) can baby corn
  • 9 ounces green beans
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 small chayote, chopped (optional)
  • 4 -5 ounces snow peas
  • 1 small head cauliflower, chopped
  • 1 small head broccoli, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 onion
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons chicken-flavored vegetarian seasoning (I use McKay's Vegan Chicken Seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup soymilk, unsweetened or 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a wok or large pan heat oil, garlic, and onion until golden brown.
  • Add all vegetables except the cabbage.
  • Stir and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  • Mix in the chicken flavored seasoning.
  • In a small bowl dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Add the water and cornstarch, and the soymilk or milk to the vegetables.
  • Mix in the salt and pepper and then the cabbage.
  • Cook until the cabbage is done (maybe 3 minutes) and eat hot with a side of rice.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 447gCalories: 262.8kcalCarbohydrates: 51.4gProtein: 13.3gFat: 4.6gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 153.8mgFiber: 15gSugar: 15.6g
Keyword < 60 Mins, Asian, Cauliflower, Egg-free, Filipino, Free Of..., Greens, Vegan, Vegetable
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