This is a cuisine that is particularly kid-friendly, and my children also enjoy this Mongolian chicken, which is a dish that is spicy, sweet, and garlicky. I will demonstrate how to create it in a time frame of less than twenty minutes, and it requires only a small amount of oil to get a crisp texture. It is impossible to resist the urge to consume yet another bowl of rice when the chicken is coated in the sticky brown sauce. My This easy Mongolian chicken pairs well with white rice or brown rice with green beans or any vegetables! This Asian chicken recipe has easily become a family favorite thanks to it’s simplicity and complex flavors!
What does Mongolian chicken taste like?
A complex taste profile balancing sweet, savoury, and somewhat spicy flavors is characteristic of Mongolian chicken. Tender chicken breasts, cooked to perfection in a sauté or stir-fry, are a common ingredient in this recipe. Ingredients including soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and chili peppers give the sauce its characteristic sweet, salty, and somewhat spicy flavor. Further ingredients, such as sesame oil or rice vinegar, can be added to Mongolian chicken to enhance its flavor. Mongolian chicken is a favorite among Asian food enthusiasts for its flavorful combination of savoury umami, sweetness, and a hint of fire.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs OR chicken fillets: you may substitute with boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner alternative
- Corn starch
- Purple onion
- Freshly crushed white pepper
- Egg
Sauce
- Garlic, chopped
- Fresh ginger, sliced
- Regular soy sauce is your all-purpose soy sauce. The bottle should just say “soy sauce”, not light soy sauce or dark soy sauce.
- If you’re gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free soy sauce, tamari sauce or coconut aminos
- Dark soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Red wine vinegar
- Brown sugar: dark brown sugar or light brown sugar will both work
- Vegetable oil: a neutral oil like avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
- Corn starch
Marinate chicken breasts.
Slice the chicken breasts. Rinse well and leave in a colander for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken is ready to marinate.
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tablespoons of corn starch
- 1 egg
Making a Slurry for the Mongolian Chicken
Combine all the sauces, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and corn starch in a bowl, using 1/4 cup of all sauces, vinegar, and brown sugar together with 2 tablespoons of corn starch. Whisk well, and set aside.
Frying aromas
Next, sauté the garlic and ginger. Add the purple onion to the same skillet or wok that was heated over medium heat. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
Cook until the sauce thickens.
Add the sauce, and mix well. Be careful not to overmix the sauce components. Cooking on medium heat, once the sauce has thickened, switch the heat. The sauce is ready.
Add the crispy chicken.
Toss the sauce over the crispy chicken and toss the chicken. Place on a serving platter. Have fun!
Mongolian chicken is a versatile dish.
- Over Steamed Rice: Serve the Mongolian chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The fluffy texture of the rice pairs well with the saucy chicken and helps soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Noodles: For a heartier option, serve the Mongolian chicken with cooked noodles, such as rice noodles. Toss the chicken and sauce with the noodles for a delicious and filling meal.
- Alongside Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some colour and nutrition to your plate by serving the Mongolian chicken alongside a medley of stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. The crisp-tender veggies complement the savoury chicken and provide a satisfying crunch.
- With Fried Rice: Pair the Mongolian chicken with classic fried rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The savoury flavors of the fried rice complement the sweetness and spiciness of the chicken dish.
- Over Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter option, serve the Mongolian chicken over cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice. These alternatives provide a nutritious base for the flavorful chicken and sauce while keeping the meal low in carbohydrates.
- As a Wrap or Lettuce Wrap: Transform the Mongolian chicken into a handheld meal by serving it as a filling for wraps or lettuce wraps. Simply spoon the chicken onto tortillas or lettuce leaves, add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions, and roll them up for a delicious and portable meal.
TIPS!
Maximizing Your Mongolian Chicken Experience.
Make sure you have everything you need on hand.
Never rush to put in the ingredients for a rapid stir-fry; doing so increases the risk of overcooking the food. Using chicken thighs or breasts.
Cooking with chicken thighs or breasts is a breeze since they are flavorful. You can cook it to perfection without worrying about it drying up or becoming tough since it has fat going through it.
The best way to fry chicken is over medium heat. The chicken will be perfectly cooked and crispy at this temperature, but be careful not to leave it in the pan for too long, or it may burn.
Always use fresh ingredients. In particular, the purple onion, ginger, garlic, and green jalapenos. The delightful gingery, spicy, and garlicky taste of this meal is achieved by using it.
FAQS!
Can I use other meats besides chicken for Mongolian chicken?
Yes, Mongolian chicken can be prepared with various meats, such as beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu, to suit dietary preferences or availability.
How spicy is Mongolian chicken?
The spiciness of Mongolian chicken can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. Typically, it has a mild to moderate level of spiciness, but you can adjust the amount of chili peppers or other spicy ingredients to suit your taste.
Is Mongolian chicken gluten-free?
Mongolian chicken can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensuring that other ingredients, like soy sauce or oyster sauce, are also gluten-free. Always check labels to verify the gluten content of store-bought sauces.
Can I make Mongolian chicken ahead of time?
Yes, Mongolian chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Simply reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the chicken may change slightly upon reheating.
What side dishes pair well with Mongolian chicken?
Mongolian chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. Choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the chicken and provide balance to the meal.