What is "chop suey"?

Chop suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that features a stir-fry of meat or seafood, vegetables, and sometimes noodles or rice. The dish typically includes ingredients such as bean sprouts, celery, cabbage, carrots, onions, and water chestnuts, which are stir-fried with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu and seasoned with a blend of sauces such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The name "chop suey" comes from the Cantonese term "tsaap sui," which means "mixed bits," and reflects the dish's origins as a way to use up leftover ingredients. It can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, and is often served with steamed rice or noodles.