Chow mein and chop suey are staples of American-Chinese cuisine. If you’ve ever been to a Chinese restaurant in the United States, you’ve probably seen both of these stir-fried dishes on the menu.
But what exactly is the difference between chow mein vs chop suey? This article will break down the origins, ingredients, and key differences between these two popular dishes.
Both chow mein and chop suey are examples of how Chinese cuisine has been adapted and fused with American tastes, creating unique dishes that are beloved by many.
What is Chow Mein?
Chow mein is a stir-fried noodle dish made with vegetables and sauce. The sauce is typically a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
The noodles are the star of chow mein. The noodles are usually boiled before being stir-fried.
To make chow mein, you’ll want to stir-fry the ingredients in a wok, if you have one. A frying pan will also work. You can really use any ingredients you like and adapt the recipe to suit your taste or the cuisine you’re creating.
Chow mein’s origin story
Chow mein comes from Northern China, and it’s an older dish than chop suey.
The name chow mein translates to “stir-fried noodles,” and that’s a pretty accurate description of what you get. Recipes vary from restaurant to restaurant, but the dish typically includes stir-fried vegetables and boiled noodles with some kind of protein.
What is Chop Suey?
Chop suey is a stir-fry dish that typically includes meat and vegetables served over rice. Unlike chow mein, chop suey doesn’t traditionally include noodles.
The ingredients in chop suey aren’t set in stone. You can find versions that include all kinds of vegetables and proteins depending on who’s making it and where you are.
Chop suey is typically made using the stir-frying method, which allows you to quickly cook a variety of ingredients together. It’s a flexible dish that can be adapted to different cuisines and is suitable for using up leftovers.
The mystery of chop suey
Unlike chow mein, which has roots in China, chop suey seems to be an American invention. But where did it come from?
The story goes that it was first cooked up in California mining camps by Chinese American cooks trying to cater to gold rushers. Another tale claims chop suey was invented at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel when a late-night diner demanded something new.
Whatever the truth, chop suey doesn’t have the long, well-documented history of chow mein.
What’s the difference?
The biggest difference between chow mein and chop suey is that chow mein always includes noodles, while chop suey is served over rice. Chow mein also has roots in northern Chinese dishes, while chop suey was invented in America.
Chop suey is also much more flexible in terms of ingredients. Chefs can use whatever is on hand, making it easier to adjust to different tastes and preferences.
Both chow mein and chop suey are examples of how Chinese restaurants in America have adapted and innovated to appeal to a wider audience. They’re both delicious examples of food fusion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chow mein noodles crunchy?
Ah, the age-old question of chow mein noodle texture! It really depends on how it’s prepared. Authentic chow mein typically features stir-fried soft noodles, not crispy ones. However, some restaurants, particularly in American Chinese cuisine, might serve a version with crispy fried noodles. So, it varies, but traditionally, no, chow mein noodles aren’t crunchy.
What does chop suey consist of?
Chop suey is a dish with a somewhat mysterious origin story, but it generally consists of stir-fried vegetables, often including bean sprouts, cabbage, celery, and sometimes mushrooms and water chestnuts. It almost always contains some kind of protein, like chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. All of this is then tossed in a savory sauce, often thickened with cornstarch. It’s usually served over rice, making it a complete meal, even if its history is a bit murky.
In Summary
Chow mein and chop suey are both delicious dishes that blend Chinese cooking techniques with ingredients favored by Americans. The main difference is in how the noodles are prepared: Chow mein features stir-fried noodles, while chop suey is typically served with steamed rice or crispy fried noodles on the side.
Both are great examples of how food traditions can evolve and adapt when they come into contact with new cultures. So, whether you prefer chow mein or chop suey, take a moment to appreciate the history and ingenuity behind these iconic dishes.