Easy Mongolian Chicken

Introduction:

Satisfy your craving for bold flavors and succulent textures with an Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe. Originating from traditional Mongolian cuisine, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its sweet and savory profile, tender chicken, and simple preparation. In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of Mongolian chicken and provide you with a hassle-free recipe to recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen.

Origin of Mongolian Chicken: Contrary to its name, Mongolian Chicken is not actually a traditional Mongolian dish. Its origins are believed to be rooted in Taiwanese cuisine, where it was inspired by the flavors of Mongolian barbecue. Over time, the dish evolved and spread to Chinese restaurants around the globe, becoming a staple in Asian-inspired cuisine. Today, Mongolian Chicken is cherished for its delicious combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, which coats tender pieces of chicken in a sticky glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and coats the chicken evenly, remove the skillet from heat.
7. Serve the Easy Mongolian Chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips for Easy Mongolian Chicken:

1. Serve Hot: Easy Mongolian Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet, allowing you to savor the tender chicken and flavorful sauce.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Serve Easy Mongolian Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside cooked noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the flavors.
3. Garnish: Before serving, garnish the dish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken for extra texture and flavor.
4. Storage: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the leftover Mongolian Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
5. Reheating: To reheat leftovers, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings until warmed to your liking, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
6. Freezing: While Mongolian Chicken can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. Meal Prep: Consider preparing a double batch of Easy Mongolian Chicken to have on hand for quick and convenient meals throughout the week. Simply divide the cooked chicken and sauce into individual portions and store them in meal prep containers for easy reheating.
8. Customization: Feel free to customize Easy Mongolian Chicken to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce used. Additionally, you can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Easy Mongolian Chicken leftovers and enjoy delicious meals with minimal effort.

Variations of Easy Mongolian Chicken Recipe:

1. Spicy Mongolian Chicken: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
2. Sesame Mongolian Chicken: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant, then sprinkle them over the cooked chicken for added nuttiness and texture.
3. Honey Garlic Mongolian Chicken: Incorporate honey into the sauce mixture for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. Balance the sweetness with minced garlic for a delightful combination.
4. Teriyaki Mongolian Chicken: Replace some or all of the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. Teriyaki sauce adds a slightly sweeter and tangier taste to the dish.
5. Orange Mongolian Chicken: Stir in orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sauce mixture for a citrusy twist. The bright and refreshing flavors of orange complement the savory notes of the dish.
6. Peanut Mongolian Chicken: Mix creamy peanut butter into the sauce mixture to create a rich and indulgent sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for added crunch and freshness.
7. Coconut Mongolian Chicken: Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce and coconut sugar for brown sugar to create a tropical-inspired version of Mongolian Chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor.
8. Vegetarian Mongolian Chicken: Replace the chicken with tofu cubes or seitan strips for a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture and ensure a firm texture.
9. Gluten-Free Mongolian Chicken: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Serve the dish over cooked rice or gluten-free noodles for a satisfying gluten-free meal.
10. Low-Carb Mongolian Chicken: Serve Easy Mongolian Chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles for a lower-carb option. Adjust the sauce ingredients to reduce the overall sugar content if desired.

Experiment with these variations to customize Easy Mongolian Chicken to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a spicy, sweet, or tangy twist, there’s a variation to suit every palate. Enjoy exploring the delicious possibilities of this versatile dish!

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
2. Is Mongolian Chicken spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference. By adding chili peppers or red pepper flakes, you can make it spicy. However, the traditional recipe is not typically very spicy.
3. Can I make Easy Mongolian Chicken ahead of time? While Mongolian Chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
4. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can use beef, pork, or even shrimp in place of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type and cut of meat used.
5. Is Mongolian Chicken gluten-free? The traditional recipe for Mongolian Chicken contains soy sauce, which often contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
6. How can I make Mongolian Chicken less sweet? To make the dish less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the sauce. You can also add more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness.
7. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using it in the recipe.
8. What can I substitute for cornstarch? If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickening agent for the sauce.
9. Can I add vegetables to Mongolian Chicken? Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. Simply stir-fry the vegetables along with the chicken or steam them separately and add them to the dish before serving.
10. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough? To ensure tender and juicy chicken, avoid overcooking it. Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center, then remove it from the heat to prevent it from becoming tough and dry.