Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful and delicious dish that can easily compete with your favorite takeout. Made with tender pieces of chicken, a savory-sweet sauce, and a touch of spice, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

The Ingredients You Need

Chicken thighs or chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cornstarch
Vegetable oil
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (grated)
Hoisin sauce
Water
Red chili flakes (optional)
Green onions (sliced for garnish)
Rice or noodles (optional, for serving)

Prep Time

How Long It Takes to Prep

The preparation time for Mongolian Chicken is approximately 15 minutes. This includes cutting the chicken into pieces, preparing the sauce, and ensuring all ingredients are ready for cooking. It’s a quick process that ensures you get dinner on the table in no time.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Quick and Easy Cooking

Cook time for Mongolian Chicken is around 15 minutes. Combined with the prep time, the total time to make this dish is about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy days.

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for family meals or meal prepping for the week.

This Mongolian Chicken recipe is not only delightful in flavor, but it’s also fast and simple to whip up, delivering a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or noodles, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone looking to expand their home-cooked meal repertoire.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

– Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips approximately 1/4 inch thick and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

– In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until well combined. Set the sauce mixture aside.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

– Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

– Add the chicken slices to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. You may need to work in batches if there’s a large quantity.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

– Once all the chicken is cooked, return it all to the pan. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir well.

Step 6: Cook the Dish

– Let the chicken and sauce simmer in the pan on medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

– Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the Mongolian Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
– Serve the dish hot over steamed rice or noodles as desired.

Notes

Note 1: Chicken Slice Thickness

– Ensure the chicken slices are thin and of uniform thickness to allow for even cooking.

Note 2: Sauce Consistency

– If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a small amount of water to adjust the consistency.

Note 3: Hoisin Sauce Substitute

– If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a pinch of sugar can be used as a substitute.

Note 4: Gluten-Free Option

– Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free recipe.

Note 5: Additional Vegetables

– You can add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor and nutrients.

Note 6: Storing Leftovers

– Store any leftover Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Note 7: Spicing It Up

– For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture during preparation.
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Cook Techniques

How to Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin pieces for even cooking. Sauté the chicken in a pan with hot oil until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Making the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar to create a rich and flavorful Mongolian sauce. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it thickens slightly.

Combining the Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it thoroughly with the sauce to ensure every piece is coated.

Optional Vegetable Additions

Add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the pan for a more nutritious and colorful dish. Stir-fry the veggies until tender-crisp before combining them with the chicken and sauce.

Serving the Dish

Serve the Mongolian chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired, for added flavor and presentation.

FAQ

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time depending on the protein chosen.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture.

What can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a small amount of honey or molasses to mimic the sweetness and savory flavor.

Can I make the dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce to make a gluten-free version.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

What type of oil should I use?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, for cooking the chicken.

Can I add spice to the dish?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

What sides pair well with Mongolian chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or cooked noodles are classic sides. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a green salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that brings the perfect combination of sweet and savory to your plate. Its tender chicken, paired with the rich sauce, makes it an irresistible meal for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a wonderful addition to your homemade Asian-inspired dishes. Enjoy it by itself or pair with other dishes for a truly satisfying meal.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Sesame Chicken

This classic dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a delicious combo.

Beef and Broccoli

A hearty and nutritious option, this dish combines tender slices of beef with fresh broccoli in a savory garlic sauce. It’s a great complement to Mongolian Chicken.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Add a colorful medley of fresh vegetables sautéed in light soy-based sauce. This pairs well with Mongolian Chicken for a balanced and vibrant meal.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

The tangy and sweet flavors of this dish are a great alternative to mix with Mongolian Chicken. Serve them together for an exciting flavor variety.

Chicken Fried Rice

A classic side dish seasoned with soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and vegetables. It’s a versatile and filling option to serve alongside Mongolian Chicken.

Egg Rolls

Crispy and golden on the outside, with a savory filling on the inside, egg rolls are a delightful appetizer to complement the main course.

Hot and Sour Soup

This comforting and flavorful soup makes a great starter before serving Mongolian Chicken. Its blend of spice and tanginess balances the meal beautifully.