Are you ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience? This Mongolian chicken recipe is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich flavors, and an irresistible sauce. With its sweet and savory notes, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 3 green onions, sliced
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. This is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce and brown sugar for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Pour in the remaining marinade and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
8. Add red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
9. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and thick.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option. Additionally, tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Serving and Pairings
Mongolian chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, the sauce may separate upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender.
– Don’t skip the marinating step for enhanced flavor.
– Ensure the oil is hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
– Adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar amount.
Helpful Tips
– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F.
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
– Experiment with vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
– Add more chili flakes for a spicier kick.
FAQs
What can I serve with Mongolian chicken?
Mongolian chicken is best served with steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein. You can also include a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, pork, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein used.
Is Mongolian chicken spicy?
The dish can be made spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chili sauce. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the dish while simmering. Cook until the sauce reaches desired thickness.
Can I prepare Mongolian chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking. However, for the best flavor, it’s recommended to cook it fresh.
Conclusion
This Mongolian chicken recipe is a delightful addition to your dinner repertoire. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this easy dish that beautifully combines sweet and savory elements for a memorable meal.
Mongolian Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 3 green onions sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce and brown sugar for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Pour in the remaining marinade and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and thick.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
