National Chop Suey Day

Celebrate National Chop Suey Day with Good Thyme Gal: An Equitable Twist on a Classic

Every year on August 28th, food lovers across the country come together to celebrate National Chop Suey Day. This holiday shines a spotlight on one of America’s most beloved Chinese-American dishes: chop suey. While its exact origins are debated, chop suey has become a symbol of cultural blending, adaptability, and shared meals, values that perfectly align with the mission of Good Thyme Gal.

At its heart, chop suey is a dish of resourcefulness and inclusivity. Traditionally made by stir-frying a mix of vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce, it reflects the idea that delicious food can be created with what’s available, making it both economical and equitable. Today, we’re diving into why National Chop Suey Day matters, how it aligns with the Good Thyme Gal approach to food, and sharing a simple, adaptable recipe you can try at home.

Why National Chop Suey Day Matters

Chop suey isn’t just a dish , it’s a story. Believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the United States during the late 19th century, chop suey highlights the ingenuity of cooks who blended Chinese culinary techniques with locally available ingredients. It quickly became a restaurant staple, representing comfort food for generations.

Celebrating National Chop Suey Day is important because it reminds us to:

• Honor Culinary History: Chop suey tells the story of immigration, adaptation, and resilience.

• Celebrate Flexibility: This dish thrives on substitutions, making it budget-friendly and inclusive.

• Encourage Home Cooking: Chop suey is quick, nutritious, and perfect for weeknight meals.

• Promote Equity in Food: By focusing on affordability and adaptability, it ensures everyone can enjoy it.

That’s exactly why Good Thyme Gal embraces dishes like chop suey. They prove that food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to be deeply meaningful and delicious.

An Equitable Chop Suey Recipe

This Good Thyme Gal Chop Suey recipe is designed to be affordable, adaptable, and equitable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it’s flexible enough to work with what you already have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, or celery)

• 1 cup protein of choice (chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu)

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 Tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)

• 1 cup bean sprouts (fresh or canned, drained)

• ½ cup broth (vegetable or chicken)

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

3. Add protein of choice, cooking until browned and fully cooked.

4. Stir in vegetables and cook until just tender-crisp.

5. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and broth. Stir well.

6. Mix in bean sprouts and cook for 1–2 minutes.

7. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce slightly.

8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equity Tip: Don’t have certain veggies? Use whatever is seasonal and available in your fridge or pantry. This recipe thrives on adaptability!

Why This Recipe Fits Good Thyme Gal

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe that food should be joyful, inclusive, and approachable. This chop suey recipe checks all the boxes:

• Equitable: Uses affordable ingredients and allows for substitutions.

• Accessible: Can be prepared with pantry staples and basic kitchen tools.

• Flexible: Works with any protein, making it adaptable to dietary needs.

• Community-Oriented: A dish meant for sharing at the table, celebrating togetherness.

Chop suey proves that delicious meals can come from resourcefulness and creativity, values at the heart of Good Thyme Gal.

Why National Chop Suey Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

National Chop Suey Day perfectly mirrors Good Thyme Gal’s mission to celebrate approachable, inclusive cooking. This holiday embraces:

• Cultural Connection: A dish that reflects history and diversity.

• Seasonal Simplicity: Use what’s fresh, local, and accessible.

• Equity in Food: Affordable meals that everyone can enjoy.

• Shared Joy: Recipes designed for the community, not exclusivity.

By honoring chop suey, we celebrate the resilience and creativity of food culture; values that continue to inspire Good Thyme Gal.

Celebrate August 28th with Chop Suey

This National Chop Suey Day, bring history and flavor to your table with this equitable recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a solo dinner, chop suey is a dish that adapts to your needs, reflects resourcefulness, and celebrates the joy of shared meals.

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe every holiday is a reason to celebrate with food that’s delicious, approachable, and made for everyone.

Celebrate with Us! 🎥 Level Up Your Baking Skills with Good Thyme Gal on YouTube! 🎥🍰

Looking for a little extra guidance in the kitchen? Whether you're mastering a new recipe or perfecting an old favorite, my Good Thyme Gal YouTube channel is here to help! I share step-by-step tutorials, helpful tips, and fun tricks to make baking easier and more enjoyable. From cookies and cakes to savory treats, you’ll gain the confidence to create something amazing!

Let’s celebrate together! 🎉👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel today and let’s bake up some magic together!#BakingTips #GoodThymeGal #YouTubeBaking #CookingConfidence #BakeWithMe

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and tag @Chrstyleeb on Instagram with #chopsuey. Let’s spread the sweet and show the world that simple can be sensational.

So grab your wok (or a big skillet), toss in your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a good thyme with chop suey this August 28th!- Good Thyme Gal