Beef Chop Suey

Beef Chop Suey is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 3. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $8.35 total, $2.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Beef Tri‑Tip (thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (adds umami)
  • 2 Tbsp Water
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Soda (tenderizes the beef)
  • 2 Tbsp Cornstarch (1 Tbsp for coating beef, 1 Tbsp for slurry)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (adds nutty aroma)
  • 2 tsp Sugar (balances saltiness)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Wine (Shaoxing) (optional, adds fragrance)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
  • 4 slices Ginger (thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 4 stalks Green Onions (stem and leafy parts separated)
  • 1/2 medium Onion (cut into large strips, layers broken apart)
  • 1 cup Bean Sprouts (rinsed and drained)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil for stir‑frying)
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics and vegetables

    Finely mince the garlic, slice the ginger into four thin pieces, and cut the green onions lengthwise; separate stems from leafy tops. Cut half a medium onion into large strips, breaking up the layers. Rinse bean sprouts and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice and marinate the beef

    Trim the tri‑tip and slice thinly across the grain. In a mixing bowl combine the beef with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, baking soda, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, crushed black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix until evenly coated and let sit for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make cornstarch slurry

    In a small bowl mix the remaining 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Stir‑fry onion

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 Tbsp oil. When shimmering, sprinkle a pinch of sugar and a pinch of salt, then add the onion strips. Stir‑fry for about 20 seconds, add rice wine (if using), toss briefly, then remove the onion to a plate.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Stir‑fry bean sprouts

    Add a splash more oil, then the two ginger slices. Let sizzle 5 seconds, add a pinch of sugar and salt, then toss in the bean sprouts. Stir‑fry for 15 seconds, splash in rice wine (optional), toss quickly and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Cook the beef

    Add a little more oil if needed, then the remaining two ginger slices. Sizzle briefly, add the marinated beef. Let it sear without moving for 30 seconds, then add the green‑onion stems and minced garlic. Stir‑fry until the beef is about 70% done.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  7. Season the beef

    Add an extra splash of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Stir until the dark soy sauce coats the meat evenly and the color is uniform.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  8. Thicken the sauce

    Stir the cornstarch slurry again to recombine, then pour it into the wok. Immediately stir‑fry; the mixture will boil and thicken within seconds.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Finish and combine

    Turn off the heat. Add the leafy green‑onion tops, the previously set‑aside bean sprouts, and the onion strips. Sprinkle crushed black pepper, give everything a quick toss to coat, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish, Wheat

Last updated: May 17, 2026

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Beef Chop Suey

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick and flavorful Chinese‑style beef chop soy stir‑fry using thinly sliced tri‑tip, garlic, ginger, green onions, onion and bean sprouts, all tossed in a savory soy‑oyster sauce that thickens into a glossy glaze.

EasyChineseServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.35
Total cost
$2.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the beef with baking soda and cornstarch for tenderness.
  • Preparing the cornstarch slurry just before adding it to the pan.
  • Stir‑frying the vegetables only for seconds to keep them crisp.
  • Adding the slurry at the right moment and stirring immediately to avoid lumps.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when adding ingredients to hot oil to avoid splatter burns.
  • Handle raw beef with clean hands and wash all surfaces thoroughly after use.
  • Baking soda can irritate eyes and lungs; avoid inhaling the powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Beef Chop Soy in Chinese cuisine?

A

Beef Chop Soy is a home‑style Chinese stir‑fry that evolved from the traditional "chao" (stir‑fry) technique, using whatever vegetables are on hand. It reflects the Chinese principle of quick, balanced meals that combine protein, aromatics, and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chop soy dishes in Chinese cooking?

A

In northern China, chop soy often includes cabbage and carrots, while southern versions may feature bok choy, snow peas, or even tofu. The sauces vary from light soy‑based to richer oyster‑soy blends depending on the province.

cultural
Q

How is Beef Chop Soy traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, alongside steamed rice. The dish is meant to be eaten immediately so the vegetables stay crisp and the sauce remains glossy.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is Beef Chop Soy commonly prepared in Chinese culture?

A

Beef Chop Soy is a weekday family dinner favorite because it is quick and uses pantry staples. It may also appear at casual gatherings or as part of a larger banquet where multiple stir‑fry dishes are offered.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Beef Chop Soy versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, and ginger. Substitutes can be tamari for soy sauce, mushroom soy for oyster sauce, and dry sherry for rice wine, but the flavor profile changes slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Beef Chop Soy?

A

It pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice, simple cucumber salad, egg drop soup, or a side of stir‑fried bok choy. The light, crisp textures complement the rich beef sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef Chop Soy at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the vegetables, using too much cornstarch which makes the sauce gummy, and cooking the beef too long which makes it tough. Follow the short stir‑fry times and add the slurry at the end.

technical
Q

Why does this Beef Chop Soy recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of adding cornstarch directly to the sauce?

A

A slurry ensures the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water, preventing lumps and allowing the sauce to thicken evenly and quickly when it hits the hot pan.

technical
Q

Can I make Beef Chop Soy ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prep the aromatics and marinate the beef up to 30 minutes ahead. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat quickly over high heat to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Beef Chop Soy is done?

A

The beef should be tender with a glossy, slightly thickened sauce coating each slice. The onion strips and bean sprouts should remain bright and crisp, not wilted.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Beef Chop Soy is fully cooked?

A

When the beef has turned from pink to a deep brown‑red hue, the sauce has thickened and clings to the meat, and the vegetables are still firm to the bite, the dish is ready.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable, quick‑cook recipes for everyday home cooks, often highlighting versatile stir‑fry and one‑pan meals with clear step‑by‑step instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Stacey Cook emphasizes using pantry‑friendly ingredients and flexible vegetable choices, making Chinese‑style dishes accessible without specialty equipment, whereas many other channels stick to strict traditional ingredient lists.

channel

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