Did you know August 29th is National Chop Suey Day #NationalChopSueyDay? I remember as a child my parents would purchase La Choy Chop Suey Vegetables, for dinner and before you ask I don’t care for Chop Suey. David likes it and Charlie has never had a chance to try Chop Suey.
To celebrate National Chop Suey Day I may pick up some from Walmart this week and make it for dinner for Charlie and David. When I make Chop Suey I will make extra for David’s mom who also loves Chop Suey. Would you like to join David and Charlie for dinner this week?
I also may invite my sister over because she also loves Chop Suey and before you ask what about me. Don’t worry I can always have a Peanut Butter Sandwich or make me a Grilled Cheese or Loaded Baked Potato for dinner.
National Chop Suey Day on August 29th is dedicated to this American-Chinese dish. Chop Suey is made with an assortment of ingredients including Vegetables, Meat, and Eggs. Chop Suey is served with Rice or Noodles. If I was going to eat Chop Suey I would like Rice please. What about you?
Many Americans have grown up eating Chop Suey and enjoy Chop Suey well into their adulthood too. Because of globalization, Chop Suey is now enjoyed all over the world. There may be variations in the recipe here and there, but the element of scrumptiousness remains constant.
Much like the hundreds of various Chop Suey recipes out there, there are several origin stories about Chop Suey too. From transcontinental roads to immigrants in a new Country to royal Courthouses, Chop Suey’s origin stories do take one on quite the ride.
National Chop Suey Day celebrates the iconic dish that has several origin stories to its name. E. N. Anderson, a historical scholar on Chinese food, states that Chop sSuey may have its origins in the County of Taishan in the Guangdong province of China. Known as ‘tsap seui,’ which translates to ‘miscellaneous pieces,’ Chop Suey may have come to America through the earliest Chinese immigrants.
It was in the 1840s when gold was discovered in California, that many immigrants, a large number of which consisted of Chinese people, came to the United States to seek their fortunes. After a hard day’s work of digging for gold, the Chinese immigrants, mostly men who had come to the Country with little to their names, chose Chop Suey to satisfy their hunger as the dish was cheap and filling. From there on, Chop Suey became popular with the rest of the public.
Other scholars speculate that Chop Suey may have been invented at the house of Li Hongzhang, a Chinese diplomat based in New York. Hongzhang had some American friends coming over, and in order to provide a hearty and good meal, he instructed his Chef to create something that would be suitable for both the Chinese as well as Americans. The result is said to have been the American-Chinese fusion dish called Chop Suey.
Yet another story tells that Chop Suey was the invention of a tired and scared Chef. The chef in question had a restaurant on the transcontinental railroad. As he was closing his eatery for the day, a group of drunk sailors entered the place instructing the Chef to whip up something delicious.
Fearing a beating, the Chef brought together the day’s leftover scraps, which consisted of some Meat, Shrimps, Vegetables, and Eggs. The Chef cooked these ingredients on high heat, serving them to his customers.
The dish became an instant hit and really took off, prompting the Chef to include the dish on his menu. Whichever story you choose to believe, one thing is clear: Chop Suey rules the food scene all over the world.
National Chop Suey Day Activities
- If you have the opportunity today make a day out of August 29th by ordering Chop Suey from an authentic Chinese restaurant. Don’t miss the chance of making use of the awesome offers restaurants might have on National Chop Suey Day and save money and savor the flavors that you so enjoyed during all the previous times you had it.
- One of the great things about Chop Suey is how easy it is to make. Whether you are a college student or a busy professional, Chop Suey is your go-to answer for all those hunger cravings. Its quick and easy method means you will have the chance to fill your tummy in no time
- Chop Suey is so famous worldwide that each Country has its own take on the dish. You may have tried the classic American-Chinese version, but do give the Indian, Canadian, and Polynesian Chop Suey a try. While you are at it, try other Chinese dishes too. Charlie says he will have Orange Chicken, What would you like?
Facts About Chinese Cuisine
- If you love eating Chinese, there’s good news for you because traditional Chinese cuisine is healthy because it is made with lots of fresh ingredients, most of which are selected for their medicinal purposes.
- You will never eat the same type of dish in China because not only are there so many different cuisines in the Country, but the various cooking techniques of cooking a single ingredient also varies, lending unique and delicious tastes to the food.
- Chinese cuisine, even at home, is served with intricately designed presentations to appeal to the eaters’ eyes.
- Chinese cuisine is famous for using almost all parts of its ingredients, and this is why it is common to see a whole gutted Fish being served. No, wonder I don’t eat Chinese. What about you?
- Authentic Chinese cuisine is always served with Rice and/or Noodles, without which the meal would be considered incomplete.
Why People Love National Chop Suey Day
- Chop suey takes us on quite the journey of taste and history. Historians have labeled the dish as having one of the most elusive and mythological origins. Many disagree on the true events surrounding the origins and popularity of the dish, but at the same time, all are in unison acknowledging its greatness through the decades.
- Whatever you are craving, Chop Suey has it all, including Vegetables to Eggs to Meat. Chop Suey will never disappoint you. You can also get inspired by Chop Suey and throw the day’s leftovers into a pot to heat and cook it. But do be careful about the flavors and the expiry dates of food. Experiment, but be safe.
- Chinese cuisine has been developed with centuries of experience and science. Its medicinal purposes nourish the body while making sure that you enjoy your tasty meal. Moreover, the cuisine’s eco-friendly techniques of using every part of an ingredient make it ideal for today’s environmental needs.
Recipe for Chop Suey:
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 40 mins Servings: 4
Ingredients
- ¼ cup shortening
- 1 ½ cups diced pork loin
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can bean sprouts, drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat shortening in a large, deep skillet over medium-high meat. Add pork and sear until it turns white.
- Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in celery, hot water, salt, and pepper. Cover skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add sprouts and bring mixture to a boil.
- Combine cold water, cornstarch, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Add to skillet mixture and cook until thickened to desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
