American Chopsuey
Crispy fried noodles topped with a tangy, sweet, and savory vegetable and chicken sauce. A beloved Indo-Chinese classic, often finished with a perfect fried egg on top.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Noodles
- b.Cook the hakka noodles in a large pot of boiling water with 1 tsp of salt, following package directions until al dente (usually 3-4 minutes).
- c.Drain the noodles immediately and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process.
- d.Spread the noodles on a large tray or baking sheet in a thin layer. Let them air dry completely for at least 20-30 minutes.
- e.Once fully dry, sprinkle 2 tbsp of corn flour over the noodles and toss gently to coat each strand. This is key for maximum crispiness.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Noodles
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully place a small portion of the coated noodles into the hot oil, forming a loose nest. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until the noodles are golden brown and crisp.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy noodle nest and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining noodles.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a clean wok over high heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- c.Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through.
- d.Toss in the sliced onion, julienned carrot, and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2 minutes to keep them crisp-tender.
- e.Add the shredded cabbage and cook for another minute.
- f.Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, 0.5 tsp salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
- g.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- h.In a small bowl, whisk 1.5 tbsp of corn flour with 3 tbsp of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- i.Turn off the heat and stir in half of the chopped spring onion greens.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Eggs and Assemble
- b.In a separate 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, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
- c.To serve, place a crispy noodle nest on each plate.
- d.Ladle a generous amount of the hot chicken and vegetable sauce over the noodles.
- e.Carefully place a fried egg on top of the sauce.
- f.Garnish with the remaining spring onion greens and serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled noodles are completely dry before frying to prevent oil from splattering and to achieve maximum crispiness.
- 2Fry the noodles in small batches; overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy noodles.
- 3Keep the vegetables crunchy by stir-frying them on high heat for a short time.
- 4Assemble the chopsuey just before serving. Pouring the sauce too early will make the noodles lose their crispness.
- 5If you have leftovers, store the crispy noodles and the sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- 6For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and egg. You can add paneer, tofu, or mushrooms for extra protein.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and egg. Add 200g of cubed paneer, tofu, or a mix of mushrooms along with the other vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.
SeafoodSeafood
Replace the chicken with 250g of peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the shrimp in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the sauce, as they cook very quickly.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the amount of red chili sauce to your preference, or add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies along with the ginger and garlic.
HealthierHealthier
Instead of deep-frying, lightly toss the boiled noodles in 1-2 tablespoons of oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. You can also use an air fryer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The inclusion of chicken and eggs provides a good amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vegetables
Packed with vegetables like carrots, capsicum, cabbage, and onions, this dish contributes to your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Energy Boost
The noodles provide carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making this a filling and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of American Chopsuey contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.