American Chop Suey
Crispy fried noodles smothered in a tangy, sweet, and savory vegetable sauce, crowned with a perfect fried egg. This Indo-Chinese classic is a delightful explosion of textures and flavors, ready to impress.
For 4 servings
Prepare Noodles and Slurry
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the hakka noodles according to package directions until al dente (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain the noodles immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them drain completely in a colander for at least 10 minutes.
- Once dry, transfer the noodles to a large bowl and toss with 2 tbsp of corn flour until evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tbsp of corn flour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry. Set aside.
Fry the Noodles
- Heat 3 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a small batch of the coated noodles into the hot oil, shaping them into a flat, round nest.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until the noodles are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Repeat with the remaining noodles to make 4 nests.
Stir-fry Vegetables and Make the Sauce
- In a clean wok or large pan, heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil over high heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the carrot, capsicum, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp-tender.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken Sauce and Fry Eggs
- Give the corn flour slurry a quick stir and pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Turn off the heat.
- In a small non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry them sunny-side up for 2-3 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are runny.
Assemble and Serve
- Place one crispy noodle nest on each of the four serving plates.
- Generously ladle the hot vegetable sauce over the center of the noodles.
- Carefully place a fried egg on top of the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure noodles are completely dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent oil from splattering.
- 2Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for perfectly fried, non-greasy noodles.
- 3Assemble the chop suey just before serving. The hot sauce will soften the noodles over time.
- 4Keep your vegetables crisp by stir-frying them quickly on high heat. Do not overcook them.
- 5The sauce can be prepared in advance. Reheat it thoroughly before pouring over freshly fried noodles.
- 6For a perfect sunny-side-up egg, add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover with a lid for the last 30 seconds to steam the top.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Incorporate stir-fried chicken, shrimp, paneer, or tofu into the vegetable sauce for a more substantial meal. Sauté the protein before adding the vegetables.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the noodle nests in a little oil until crisp, or bake them in an air fryer or oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies along with the ginger and garlic, or drizzle some Sriracha sauce on top before serving.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli florets, or bean sprouts to the stir-fry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Packed with Veggies
Contains a variety of vegetables like carrots, capsicum, and cabbage, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber which aids digestion.
Good Protein Source
The addition of a fried egg on top provides high-quality protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Provides Quick Energy
The noodles are a rich source of carbohydrates, offering a quick and effective energy boost to fuel your daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of American Chop Suey contains approximately 650-750 calories. The majority of the calories come from the deep-fried noodles and the sauces.