Creamy Filipino Chopsuey Recipe

Chopsuey (sometimes spelled chop suey ) is a popular dish in the Philippines that has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine. Over time, it has evolved into a uniquely Filipino version with a creamy, mild flavor profile, often served as part of a festive meal or everyday comfort food.

This creamy Filipino chopsuey typically features a mix of vegetables and protein ingredients, all simmered in a white sauce made from milk or evaporated milk and sometimes thickened with cornstarch. 

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or green), sliced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) evaporated milk or fresh milk
• 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) water-packed mushrooms, drained (button or straw mushrooms)
• 1/2 lb (250g) chicken breast or pork, cooked and sliced (optional)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thicker sauce)

Optional Add-ins:

• Luncheon meat (like Vienna sausage or Spam), sliced 
• Shrimps or squid
• Peas and carrots frozen mix 

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil & Sauté Aromatics:

• In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat.
• Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. 

2. Add Vegetables:

• Add carrots first (they take longer to cook), then add celery, cabbage, green beans, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Stir-fry for about 3–5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

3. Add Protein:

• If using cooked meats like chicken, pork, or luncheon meat, add them now.
• Stir well to combine.

4. Pour in Milk: 

• Pour in the evaporated milk (or fresh milk).
• Let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes. Do not boil, to prevent curdling.

5. Thicken (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly.
• Cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Season:

• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired.

7. Add Boiled Eggs (Optional):

• Gently stir in the quartered hard-boiled eggs just before turning off the heat.

8. Serve:

• Serve warm with steamed rice.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with crispy fried shallots or spring onions.
• Pair with garlic rice for extra flavor.
• Great for potlucks, fiestas, or family dinners.

Notes:

• For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use tofu instead.
• You can customize the veggies based on what’s available bok choy, broccoli, and cauliflower are also commonly used.
• Some versions may include cheese for an even richer, creamier texture.