Entree: American Samoa – Northern Culinary Region – Sapasui (Samoan-style chop suey of stir-fried meat and vermicelli noodles in a savory soy-based sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 7 min

Total 32 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8 oz (225 g) dried rice vermicelli
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced — about 6 oz (170 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 cups (300 g) green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned — about 6 oz (170 g)
- 3 green onions, sliced on the diagonal
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce or additional soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken stock, hot
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp (30 ml) cold water
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground black pepper
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak the vermicelli in warm water according to package directions until pliable (usually 5–7 minutes); drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a large wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and sear quickly until just browned, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil to the wok. Toss in the sliced onion, garlic, and grated ginger and stir-fry until the onion begins to soften, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the carrots and cabbage and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Return the beef to the wok along with the green onions.
5. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce if using, sesame oil, and the hot stock. Stir to combine and bring just to a simmer.
6. Add the drained vermicelli to the wok, tossing gently to coat and heat through. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the wok and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately with lime wedges.