Pork Chop Suey is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make at home. This version features tender pork tenderloin, crisp-tender vegetables like mushrooms, celery, and peppers, all tossed in a savory homemade sauce. It’s a fast, healthy, and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles, and it’s even picky-eater approved.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pork:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
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2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
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1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
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2 cups sliced mushrooms
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Sliced green onions (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
For the Sauce:
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½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
1. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pork
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add pork and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add celery, onion, red pepper, and mushrooms to the same pan. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until softened but still crisp.
4. Add the Sauce
Give the sauce another stir and pour it into the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine
Return the cooked pork to the pan. Stir everything together for about 20–30 seconds until heated through.
6. Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions (and sesame seeds if desired), and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrients
Per serving (~10 oz):
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Calories: 255
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Protein: 27g
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 11g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 620mg
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Vitamin C: 42mg
The Beauty of Chop Suey
Chop Suey is a quintessential Chinese-American comfort dish. Its appeal lies in its flexibility: meat, vegetables, and sauce cooked together in one pan and served over rice or noodles. While many versions use chicken or beef, pork tenderloin offers a juicy, lean option that cooks quickly and pairs well with the savory soy-based sauce. The vegetables—celery, bell pepper, mushrooms, and onions—retain their crunch and color, making each bite texturally interesting and balanced.
This dish is not only tasty but also a clever way to use up vegetables in your fridge, making it a sustainable and budget-friendly choice.
Flavorful Yet Simple Sauce
The sauce for this Pork Chop Suey is light but rich in flavor. A blend of low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch creates a smooth, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the pork and vegetables. The garlic adds pungency, the soy sauce gives depth and umami, and the cornstarch thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
This sauce doesn’t overpower—it enhances. It’s savory and slightly salty, with just enough body to coat everything evenly without feeling heavy. You can add a splash of rice vinegar or a few drops of sesame oil for extra layers of flavor if desired.
Quick Cooking for Tender Pork
Using pork tenderloin ensures tenderness and quick cooking. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces allows it to sear quickly in hot oil, developing a caramelized exterior while staying juicy inside. Cooking it over high heat for just 4–5 minutes keeps it from drying out and makes it ideal for stir-frying.
Once the pork is browned, it’s removed from the pan to prevent overcooking while the vegetables are stir-fried. It’s then added back at the end to warm through, maintaining its texture and flavor.
Fresh, Crisp Vegetables for Balance
Celery adds a satisfying crunch, red bell pepper provides sweetness and vibrant color, mushrooms offer an earthy, meaty texture, and onions bring mild sweetness when lightly caramelized. These vegetables not only taste great but also contribute essential nutrients, fiber, and a variety of textures that complement the tender pork.
You can adjust the veggie lineup to fit your taste or what you have on hand—snap peas, broccoli, bok choy, bean sprouts, or even water chestnuts work beautifully in this dish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pork Chop Suey is most traditionally served over steamed white rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce and creates a comforting, complete meal. Brown rice or jasmine rice work equally well. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
You can also pair it with lo mein or stir-fried noodles for a heartier twist. A side of egg drop soup or steamed dumplings makes this dish feel like a full takeout-inspired dinner at home.
To brighten the dish before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. A drizzle of chili oil or sriracha can add a little heat for spice lovers.
Tips for Success
Use a very hot pan or wok to ensure proper searing and stir-frying. The high heat prevents sogginess and preserves the crisp-tender texture of the vegetables.
Cut all ingredients uniformly so they cook evenly and quickly.
Stir the sauce again right before adding it to the pan to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed and doesn’t clump.
If using pre-cooked rice, fluff it beforehand so it heats evenly and absorbs the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving—if you want it saltier, add a splash of soy sauce; if you’d like it brighter, add a squeeze of lime or lemon.
Make-Ahead and Leftovers
Pork Chop Suey is an excellent meal prep dish. You can slice the pork and vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. The sauce can be mixed ahead of time and kept in a sealed jar for up to 3 days.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave. The flavors deepen as they sit, and the dish often tastes even better the next day. If reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms.
Conclusion
Pork Chop Suey is a delicious, easy-to-make stir-fry that hits all the right notes: tender meat, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that brings everything together. With minimal prep and fast cook time, it’s a weeknight-friendly dish that feels fresh, nourishing, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking to recreate your favorite takeout dish at home, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.