American Chop Suey is one of the most beloved Indo-Chinese dishes enjoyed across India. Bursting with crispy fried noodles, colourful sautéed vegetables, and a rich, tangy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, this dish brings together Chinese flavours with an Indian twist. Whether served at restaurants, street food corners, or made at home during special evenings, American Chop Suey has earned its place as a comfort-food favourite.
This article provides a detailed, step-by-step Chinese-style American Chop Suey recipe, tips for achieving the perfect crunch, variations you can try, and much more.
What Is American Chop Suey?
American Chop Suey in India is quite different from the classic American dish. The Indo-Chinese version consists of:
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Crispy fried noodles
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A thick vegetable gravy
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Sweet, spicy and tangy sauce
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Garnishes like spring onions or sesame seeds
It’s crunchy, saucy, flavour-packed, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients for American Chop Suey (Chinese Style)
For Crispy Noodles
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150–200g Hakka noodles
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1–2 tbsp cornflour
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½ tsp salt
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Oil for frying
For the Vegetable Sauce
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1 tbsp oil
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1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
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1 small onion, sliced
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½ cup carrot strips
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½ cup capsicum strips (green, red, yellow optional)
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½ cup cabbage, shredded
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2–3 tbsp spring onions
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2 tbsp tomato ketchup
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1 tbsp vinegar
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp red chilli sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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½–1 tsp black pepper
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Salt as needed
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1½ cups water or vegetable stock
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2 tbsp cornflour mixed with ¼ cup water
Step-by-Step Chinese American Chop Suey Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Noodles
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Boil the noodles until 80% cooked. Do not overcook.
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Drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking.
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Sprinkle some cornflour and mix gently—this helps make them crisp.
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Heat oil in a kadhai or frying pan.
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Spread a portion of noodles in the pan and fry on medium heat until golden and crisp.
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Flip and fry the other side.
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Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
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Repeat with the remaining noodles.
Your crispy noodle base is ready.
Step 2: Making the Sweet & Spicy Sauce
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok.
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Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Add onions and sauté until lightly translucent.
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Add carrots, capsicum, and cabbage. Stir-fry on high flame for 2–3 minutes.
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Add all sauces: ketchup, soy sauce, red chilli sauce, and vinegar.
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Add sugar, black pepper, and salt.
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Mix well and pour in 1½ cups water or stock.
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Let it boil for 1–2 minutes.
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Add the cornflour slurry (cornflour + water).
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Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy gravy.
Taste and adjust sweetness, spice, or sourness to your preference.
Step 3: Assembling the Chop Suey
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Place crispy noodles on a plate.
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Pour hot, tangy, and spicy vegetable sauce over the noodles.
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Garnish with spring onions or sesame seeds.
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Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch!
Tips to Make the Best American Chop Suey
✔ Get the Perfect Crunch
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Dry the noodles well before frying.
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Fry on medium flame—not too high—to avoid burning.
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Add cornflour to the noodles for extra crispiness.
✔ Balanced Flavour
American Chop Suey tastes best when:
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It’s slightly sweet
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Mildly tangy
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Spicy according to taste
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Saucy and glossy
Adjust ketchup, vinegar, and chili sauce to your liking.
✔ Keep the Veggies Crunchy
Do not overcook vegetables. Indo-Chinese dishes taste best with crisp veggies.
Variations You Can Try
Chicken American Chop Suey
Add shredded or sautéed chicken to the sauce for a protein-rich version.
Egg Chop Suey
Scramble eggs and mix them into the gravy or place a fried egg on top.
Paneer Chop Suey
Sauté small cubes of paneer and mix them with the gravy.
Extra Spicy Version
Add hot sauce, chilli flakes, or green chillies.
Restaurant-Style Version
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Add a pinch of ajinomoto (optional).
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Use vegetable stock instead of water.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Taste just like top Indo-Chinese restaurants
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Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours
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Crispy noodles + saucy gravy = ultimate comfort
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Budget-friendly and easy to make
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Great for parties, dinners, or weekend treats
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which noodles are best for American Chop Suey?
Hakka noodles or any good-quality plain wheat noodles work best. Avoid instant noodles.
2. Can I bake the noodles instead of frying?
Yes! Toss noodles with a little oil and bake at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until crisp (flip once).
3. How to make American Chop Suey gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.
4. Can I prepare the gravy in advance?
Yes, the gravy can be made 2–3 hours ahead.
But assemble just before eating to maintain crunch.
5. Why did my noodles turn soggy?
Because the gravy was added too early. The dish must be assembled only when ready to serve.
6. Can I add tofu or mushrooms?
Absolutely! Both work wonderfully in the sauce.
7. Is American Chop Suey very spicy?
It depends on how much chilli sauce you use. You can easily adjust spice levels.
Disclaimer
This recipe article is created for informational and cooking guidance purposes. Ingredients, nutritional values, cooking methods, and taste preferences may vary based on individual choices and product brands. Always adjust seasoning, spice levels, and cooking techniques according to your personal preference and dietary needs. The recipe does not claim any medical or nutritional benefits. Prepare and consume responsibly.
