Mongolian Chicken

When I think of comfort food, Mongolian Chicken instantly comes to mind. It’s that one dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I remember the first time I tasted this dish at my favorite local restaurant. The sweet and savory sauce coated tender pieces of chicken, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Recreating that moment in my kitchen felt like a challenge I was eager to take on. With just a handful of ingredients, I discovered how easy it is to whip up Mongolian Chicken right at home. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you.

Ingredients for Mongolian Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients for Mongolian Chicken is key to achieving that authentic flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, and together they create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The stars of the show are the tender pieces of chicken and the rich sauce that ties everything together.

• 2 pounds chicken thinly sliced into 1-2 inch strips
• 1/3 cup cornstarch, for a crispy texture
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 green onions thinly sliced on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce, adds depth of flavor
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, for sweetness
• 1/2 cup water, to balance the sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced, aromatic base
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced, adds zest
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, for acidity
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, for sautéing
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional garnish

Recipe Directions for Mongolian Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. The steps to create Mongolian Chicken are straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each one to ensure your dish turns out perfect.

1. In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once heated, add the garlic and ginger. Cook and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Next, whisk in the dark brown sugar, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Allow the mixture to cook until slightly thickened, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. Set this sauce aside for later use.
3. In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced chicken and sprinkle cornstarch over it. Mix well until the cornstarch evenly coats the chicken pieces.
4. Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large saucepan. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them until they are browned and cooked through, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the meat gently to ensure even cooking.
5. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Discard the used oil from the skillet to keep the dish light.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the reserved sauce over the top. Cook over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
7. Stir in the sliced green onions and let them cook for an additional minute. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.
8. Serve the Mongolian Chicken immediately over rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Ways to Customize

There are numerous ways to customize Mongolian Chicken to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some great ideas to make this dish your own:

• Add vegetables: Consider tossing in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you love spice, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Try a different protein: Substitute the chicken with beef or tofu for a different twist.
• Serve with quinoa: For a healthier option, serve Mongolian Chicken over quinoa instead of rice.
• Garnish creatively: Experiment with garnishes like chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for an added flavor dimension.

Pairing Suggestions for Mongolian Chicken

Serving Mongolian Chicken can be an enjoyable experience, and there are many sides that pair beautifully with it. Consider these suggestions to create a complete meal:

• Steamed Rice: The classic choice! Fluffy white rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Fried Rice: For a fun twist, serve it alongside a bowl of fried rice for added flavor and texture.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A vibrant vegetable stir-fry adds color and nutrition, making your meal even more satisfying.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw with a sesame dressing complements the flavors of the Mongolian Chicken beautifully.
• Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even special gatherings. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture will surely impress your guests.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mongolian Chicken stands out as a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that can easily be enjoyed any night of the week. The dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to appeal to various tastes. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Mongolian Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Mongolian Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that comes together in no time. With tender chicken and a rich sauce, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds chicken thinly sliced into 1-2 inch strips
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 count green onions thinly sliced on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once heated, add the garlic and ginger. Cook and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Next, whisk in the dark brown sugar, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Allow the mixture to cook until slightly thickened, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. Set this sauce aside for later use.
• In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced chicken and sprinkle cornstarch over it. Mix well until the cornstarch evenly coats the chicken pieces.
• Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large saucepan. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them until they are browned and cooked through, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the meat gently to ensure even cooking.
• Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Discard the used oil from the skillet to keep the dish light.
• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the reserved sauce over the top. Cook over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Stir in the sliced green onions and let them cook for an additional minute. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.
• Serve the Mongolian Chicken immediately over rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.
• Tip 2: If you love spice, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Tip 3: For a healthier option, serve Mongolian Chicken over quinoa instead of rice.
• Tip 4: Consider tossing in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Tip 5: Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference; you can always add more if you like it hot!

Keyword Chicken Stir Fry, easy Mongolian Chicken, Mongolian Chicken recipe, quick Asian dinner

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.