Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken Recipe - Authentic dish made with Chinese dried mushrooms and dark soy sauce

Region / culture: Mongolia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mongolian Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its bold flavors and tender chicken. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

History

Mongolian Chicken is believed to have originated in Taiwan, where it was created as a variation of traditional Mongolian beef. The dish quickly gained popularity in Chinese restaurants around the world due to its delicious flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

2 tsp groundnut / peanut oil
3.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
10 oz (283 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut on diagonal into 0.25-inch-thick by 2-inch-long slices
0.5 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp freshly-ground chilis
0.5 tsp finely-chopped onion
2 tsp cold water
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp groundnut / peanut oil
1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
0.33 cup chicken broth
1 tsp dark soy sauce
4 Chinese dried mushrooms, soaked in warm water for 45 minutes, rinsed, water squeezed out, stems discarded, caps halved
0.5 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch triangles
3 scallions (spring onions), mainly white part cut into 2-inch lengths
0.5 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp cold water for thickening
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp ground bean sauce (mo si jeung)

How to prepare

Mix the marinade ingredients together and marinate the chicken while you prepare all of the other ingredients for cooking.
Combine the garlic, chilis, and onion.
Combine the ground bean sauce, water, and sugar.
Heat a wok, add the groundnut oil, and swirl the surface with oil.
Stir-fry the garlic mixture for 5 seconds.
Add the ground bean sauce mixture and stir-fry for 5 seconds.
Add the rice wine and mix well.
Pour in the broth, followed by the dark soy sauce, and stir to combine.
Add the chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, and scallions.
Stir-fry over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the thickening mixture for a few seconds.
Finally, add the sesame oil, which will enhance the fragrance and richness of the dish.
Serve hot.

Variations

Substitute beef or tofu for the chicken for a different flavor.
Add additional vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a wok for stir-frying to ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and quickly.

- Be sure to cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Chicken is best served over steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. Be sure to cook over high heat and continuously stir the ingredients to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have shaoxing sherry, you can substitute dry sherry or rice wine vinegar. You can also use vegetable oil in place of peanut oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time to save time when cooking. Store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mongolian Chicken pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Proteins

Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy.

Summary

Mongolian Chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to watch portion sizes due to the higher fat content.

Summary

Mongolian Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wise and talented cook, with a kitchen full of secrets and recipes passed down through generations.

One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded, crumpled piece of paper with the title "Mongolian Chicken" scrawled across the top. Curious, I asked my grandmother about it, and she smiled knowingly before launching into a tale of her own culinary adventures.

She told me that the recipe for Mongolian Chicken had been given to her by a dear friend who had traveled to Mongolia many years ago. This friend had learned the recipe from a local chef and had been kind enough to share it with my grandmother, knowing her love of exotic and flavorful dishes.

As my grandmother recounted the story, I could practically taste the savory, spicy flavors of the dish in my mind. I could imagine the tender chunks of chicken, marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then stir-fried with crisp vegetables and finished with a sweet and tangy sauce.

Eager to learn how to make this delicious dish myself, I begged my grandmother to teach me the recipe. She agreed, and together we set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish.

The process was a labor of love, with each step carefully explained and demonstrated by my grandmother. I watched as she expertly diced the chicken, minced the garlic, and grated the ginger, all the while imparting words of wisdom about the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking.

As the fragrant aroma of the marinating chicken filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. I was following in the footsteps of my grandmother, learning a recipe that had been passed down through generations and shared with me as a precious gift.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of anticipation, the Mongolian Chicken was ready to be served. I watched as my family eagerly dug into their plates, savoring each mouthful of tender chicken and crisp vegetables, all brought together by the luscious sauce that coated every bite.

The dish was a hit, with everyone raving about the bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a dish that held a special place in my family's culinary history.

From that day on, Mongolian Chicken became a staple in our household, a dish that was requested for special occasions and family gatherings. I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the recipe and putting my own twist on the classic dish.

As I grew older and my own children began to show an interest in cooking, I passed down the recipe for Mongolian Chicken to them, just as my grandmother had done for me. I watched with joy as they eagerly took up the challenge, learning the art of cooking and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

And so, the story of the Mongolian Chicken recipe lives on, weaving its way through the generations of our family and bringing us together around the table, sharing in the love and tradition that has been passed down through the ages.