American Chopsuey Recipe: American Chopsuey is a delicious savory dish that features crispy noodles topped with saucy stir-fried vegetables. Originating as an Indian adaptation of a popular American dish, it has become a beloved vegetarian option in India. Unlike its non-vegetarian counterpart in America, which typically includes pasta and beef, the Indian version uses crispy noodles and an array of vegetables. This step-by-step recipe guides you through creating the vegetarian version, complete with a mild sweet and sour sauce.
American Chopsuey Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 pack (150 gm pack) Plain Hakka Noodles
- 1/2 cup French Beans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Carrot, cut into thin strips
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped Ginger
- 5-6 cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
- 1-2 Green Chillies, slit vertically
- 2 medium Onions, finely sliced
- 1 medium Capsicum, sliced
- 1/2 cup Cabbage, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chilli Sauce (Red or Green)
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper Powder
- 3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons Cornflour (corn starch)
- 1/2 cup + 1 cup Water
- Salt to taste
American Chopsuey Recipe Directions:
- Boil the noodles for no more than 3 minutes to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Prepare crispy noodles.
- Dissolve 3 tablespoons of cornflour in 1/2 cup water and set aside.
- Boil the carrot and French beans for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the ginger and garlic for 20 seconds. Add onions and capsicum, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the boiled vegetables, cabbage, soy sauce, chilli sauce, sugar, vinegar, tomato ketchup, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add the dissolved cornflour and mix well.
- Cook over medium flame until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables, about 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the flame and pour the vegetable sauce mixture over the crispy fried noodles.
- Serve hot.
American Chopsuey Recipe Tips and Variations:
- Use any brand of noodles, chilli sauce, and soy sauce available in your grocery store.
- Boiling time for noodles may vary; follow package instructions.
- Fry noodles until they are 80% cooked but still firm for crispy texture.
- Adjust the quantity of chilli sauce and tomato ketchup according to taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy crispy noodles.
Taste: Crispy and mildly spicy
Serving Ideas: Enjoy as a snack or side dish with Chinese fried rice and baby corn Manchurian for dinner.
Conclusion
American Chopsuey Recipe offers a delightful fusion of crispy noodles and flavorful stir-fried vegetables, making it a favorite in both Indian and American cuisines. Whether enjoyed as a vegetarian option in India or a non-vegetarian dish in America, its versatility and delicious taste appeal to a wide range of palates. By following the simple steps and customizing the spice level to your liking, you can recreate this savory dish at home and enjoy it as a satisfying snack or side dish.
FAQs about American Chopsuey Recipe
What is American Chopsuey?
American Chopsuey is a savory dish featuring crispy noodles topped with saucy stir-fried vegetables. It is an Indian adaptation of a popular American dish, typically prepared with pasta and beef in America, but vegetarian with crispy noodles and vegetables in India.
How is American Chopsuey different in India and America?
In India, American Chopsuey is vegetarian and made with crispy noodles and vegetables, while in America, it is non-vegetarian and prepared with pasta and beef.
What are the key ingredients in American Chopsuey?
The key ingredients include plain Hakka noodles, French beans, carrot, ginger, garlic, green chillies, onions, capsicum, cabbage, soy sauce, chilli sauce, sugar, vinegar, tomato ketchup, black pepper powder, cornflour, and water.
How do you make crispy noodles for American Chopsuey?
Crispy noodles are made by boiling the noodles until they are 80% cooked, then frying them until crispy. This ensures a crunchy texture that holds up well under the saucy vegetable mixture.
Can I customize the spice level of American Chopsuey?
Yes, you can adjust the quantity of chilli sauce and black pepper powder according to your preference for spiciness. Additionally, you can add more or fewer green chillies to control the heat level.
