Shrimp Chop Suey Recipe

Shrimp Chop Suey Recipe is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $14.50 total, $3.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined (large or extra‑large, thawed if frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (for marinating shrimp)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (for marinating shrimp and seasoning vegetables)
  • 0.5 teaspoon White Pepper Powder (adds subtle heat)
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (1 tbsp for marinating, 1 tbsp for slurry)
  • 4 tablespoons Water (cold water for marinate and slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (adds nutty aroma to shrimp marinate)
  • 3 slices Fresh Ginger (about 1‑inch thick each)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Zucchini (cut into thick diagonal slices)
  • 1 stalk Celery (cut on the diagonal into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 cups Cabbage (roughly 2" x 2" pieces, separated layers)
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets (bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 medium Carrot (sliced into thin rounds)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil for stir‑frying)
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Wine (Shaoxing) (divided between vegetable batches and shrimp; optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (adds umami depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce (for color and flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics

    Slice three pieces of fresh ginger about 1 inch thick and mince three garlic cloves.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Cut Vegetables

    Cut one medium zucchini into thick diagonal slices, one celery stalk on the bias into similar‑size pieces, separate cabbage leaves and cut into roughly 2" x 2" pieces, cut broccoli into bite‑size florets, and slice one carrot into thin rounds.

    Time: PT7M

  3. Marinate Shrimp

    Rinse peeled shrimp under cold water, pat dry, then place in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp white pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp cold water, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix until shrimp are evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Make Cornstarch Slurry

    In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stirring until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Stir‑Fry First Veg Batch (Broccoli, Celery, Carrot)

    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 broccoli, celery, and carrot. Stir‑fry for about 40 seconds, splash ½ tbsp rice wine (optional), stir another 30 seconds until the alcohol evaporates, then remove to a plate.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Stir‑Fry Second Veg Batch (Cabbage & Zucchini)

    Add a little more oil if needed, then add a pinch of sugar and salt to the hot oil. Toss in cabbage pieces and zucchini slices, stir‑fry for 30 seconds, add another splash of rice wine, stir another 30 seconds, then remove to the plate with the first batch.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Cook Shrimp

    Add a little more oil if needed, heat until hot, then add ginger slices followed immediately by the marinated shrimp. Spread shrimp in a single layer, let the bottom turn golden (about 1 minute), then flip. While flipping, add the minced garlic, stir‑coat, splash the remaining rice wine, and continue stir‑frying until the liquid evaporates.

    Time: PT4M

  8. Season and Thicken

    Season the shrimp with 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 1 tsp dark soy sauce, stir‑fry until the color is even. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour into the wok, tossing constantly. The sauce will come to a rapid boil and thicken within seconds.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Combine All Ingredients

    Return all previously cooked vegetables to the wok, toss everything together for another minute to coat with the glossy sauce. Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed, then serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
10g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free soy sauce), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Shellfish, Soy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Shrimp Chop Suey Recipe

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick and healthy Chinese‑style shrimp chop stir‑fry packed with crisp vegetables, savory oyster sauce, and a glossy cornstarch glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that rivals takeout.

MediumChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
16m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
38m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.50
Total cost
$3.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating shrimp with cornstarch and seasoning
  • Stir‑frying vegetables in two separate batches to maintain crispness
  • Adding garlic after shrimp has begun to brown to avoid burning
  • Incorporating the cornstarch slurry correctly to achieve a glossy thick sauce

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby and stand back while adding ingredients.
  • Handle raw shrimp with clean hands and wash surfaces thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of shrimp chop stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

Shrimp chop stir fry is a classic home‑cooked Cantonese‑style dish that showcases the quick‑cook technique of wok‑hei, where seafood and crisp vegetables are flash‑stir‑fried with a light soy‑based sauce. It reflects the Chinese emphasis on balancing texture, flavor, and color in a single pan.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of shrimp chop stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Guangdong (Cantonese) cooking, the dish uses light soy and oyster sauce, while Sichuan versions may add doubanjiang for heat. Some coastal regions add Shaoxing wine and a splash of fish sauce for extra umami, but the core concept of shrimp with crisp vegetables remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is shrimp chop traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, alongside steamed white rice or fried rice. The dish is meant to be eaten immediately to preserve the crispness of the vegetables and the glossy sauce that coats the shrimp.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is shrimp chop stir fry associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not a ceremonial dish, shrimp chop is a popular choice for family meals, birthday banquets, and Lunar New Year gatherings because it is quick, affordable, and symbolizes prosperity (shrimp representing abundance).

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic shrimp chop stir fry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include fresh peeled shrimp, Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and a cornstarch slurry. Substitutes can be dry sherry for rice wine, soy sauce mixed with a dash of fish sauce for oyster sauce, and arrowroot powder for cornstarch.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with shrimp chop stir fry?

A

It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, simple egg fried rice, or a side of cold cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a mild soup like egg drop soup or a vegetable lo mein.

cultural
Q

How does shrimp chop stir fry fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?

A

The dish exemplifies the Chinese culinary principle of “color, fragrance, taste, and shape.” Quick stir‑frying preserves the natural sweetness of shrimp while the vegetables provide crunch, making it a balanced, everyday staple in Chinese home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp chop stir fry?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the wok, which steams the vegetables instead of crisping them, over‑cooking the shrimp which makes them rubbery, and adding the cornstarch slurry too early, causing a gummy texture. Follow the batch‑cook method and add the slurry at the end.

technical
Q

Why does this shrimp chop recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening?

A

Cornstarch thickens at lower temperatures and creates a clear, glossy sauce without a starchy taste, which is ideal for delicate seafood. Flour would cloud the sauce and require longer cooking, potentially over‑cooking the shrimp.

technical
Q

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

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that often recreate restaurant‑style dishes at home, emphasizing clear step‑by‑step instructions and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.

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 simplicity and flexibility, encouraging home cooks to use readily available ingredients and to adjust vegetable selections, whereas many traditional Chinese cooking channels stick strictly to authentic ingredients and techniques.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Shrimp and Chicken Wontons
39

Shrimp and Chicken Wontons

A delicious recipe for shrimp wontons enhanced with chicken thigh and chicken skin for added fat and flavor. The shrimp is treated with baking soda water to improve texture and taste, then combined with seasoned chicken mixture and wrapped in wonton wrappers. Served in a light soup, these wontons cook quickly and are easy to prepare.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$17
Chinese
Super Scampy Shrimp Pasta
53

Super Scampy Shrimp Pasta

A silky, buttery shrimp scampi made with angel hair pasta cooked directly in a clam‑juice‑infused sauce. The shrimp are pre‑salted for extra juiciness, the sauce is emulsified with cold butter, and a hint of lemon zest adds brightness without acidity. Perfect for a quick yet restaurant‑quality dinner.

55 minServes 4$19
Italian
Crispy Shrimp Fried Spring Rolls
38

Crispy Shrimp Fried Spring Rolls

A step‑by‑step guide to making 20 golden, crunchy shrimp spring rolls using rice paper, wood‑ear mushrooms, glass noodles and a two‑stage frying method that guarantees extra crispiness without sogginess.

2 hrs 26 minServes 5$17
Vietnamese
Chicken Chop Suey (Chinese Stir‑Fry)
15

Chicken Chop Suey (Chinese Stir‑Fry)

A quick Chinese‑style chicken chop suey stir‑fry with carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, bean sprouts and fresh cilantro, served over fragrant Thai rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

36 minServes 4$9
Chinese
A Warm Jamaican Shrimp Soup for Cold Days
57

A Warm Jamaican Shrimp Soup for Cold Days

A warm, comforting Jamaican shrimp soup packed with sweet West Indian pumpkin, fresh field corn, simple flour dumplings, and succulent head‑on shrimp. Perfect for chilly weather and full of authentic Caribbean flavor.

1 hr 7 minServes 4$222
Jamaican
Chop suey aux crevettes — Tout savoir pour une cuisson parfaite au feu vif 🔥
12

Chop suey aux crevettes — Tout savoir pour une cuisson parfaite au feu vif 🔥

A quick, high‑heat Chinese‑style stir‑fry featuring shrimp, a colorful mix of Asian vegetables, rehydrated black mushrooms, and a savory soy‑oyster sauce. The dish is finished with sesame oil and optional homemade chili oil for extra heat.

1 hr 5 minServes 4$16
Chinese