Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Origin of the Mongolian Chicken Dish

A Mongolian Chicken is a Chinese originated dish famous of its sweet and aromatic sauce. It has more likely the same as sweet and sour chicken, the difference is that Mongolian chicken doesn’t have the sour taste. This dish is made by frying marinated and coated with cornstarch small cuts of chicken thighs until it is brown. It is then cooked and mixed over Mongolian sauce, which is made of garlic, slices of ginger, red chili, seasonings and a hoisin-based sauce. The sweet taste from the hoisin sauce and the inviting aroma of the ginger and garlic are the real deal of this dish. It brings the perfect combination of sweet and spicy taste.

When is it typically served?

Mongolian Chicken is commonly served during lunch or dinner. It is a famous dish in most Chinese restaurants in the United States. It is best paired with plain rice and topped with green onions to add with the aroma. In Asian countries like Philippines, dishes like Mongolian chicken with a sweet and spicy taste is best paired as pulutan with alcoholic drinks (like beer) which are always present in a get together occasions like fiesta or birthdays.

Kitchen Utensils You'll Need

You will be needing the following kitchen tools and utensils in making the Mongolian Chicken:

• Cutting knife
• Cutting board
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Small mixing bowl
• Serving bowl/plate

Mongolian Chicken’s Primary Ingredients – Chicken Thighs and Hoisin Sauce.

Mongolian Chicken is primarily made of small cuts of chicken thighs and most importantly the Hoisin-based sauce. It is best to use chicken thigh part in cooking this dish since they cook up moist and tender. In addition to that, chicken thigh is a good source of lean protein. However, if you are on the goal of losing weight, chicken thigh may not be a good idea since it is higher in fat and cholesterol. Chicken breast may be a healthier option.

Hoisin Sauce on the other hand is the one that give a good balance of sweet and salty taste to the chicken since this sauce has a salty and sweet flavor. This sauce is primarily made of fermented soybean paste. If hoisin sauce is not available in your kitchen or even in supermarkets near your area, you can substitute it with chili and plums, soy peanut butter or ginger plum. Hoisin sauce has antioxidant properties and a good source of iron. However, it contains high sodium content which can cause your body to retain fluids and increase your blood pressure.

Interesting Facts

• Mongolian Chicken isn’t really Mongolian. It is a Chinese American dish popular in Asian and American restaurants.
• Mongolian Chicken is a variation of Mongolian beef.

Tips and Tricks When Cooking Mongolian Chicken

• You can either use chicken breast or chicken thighs in making Mongolian Chicken.
• Since this is a stir-fried dish, better prepare all ingredient beforehand to avoid the ingredients from overcooking and worse, getting burnt.
• Use fresh and quality ingredients in terms of spices like red chili, ginger and garlic to make sure it gives the best and mouth-watering aroma. The fresher, the better.

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, then this dish is the best for you. From the spices and the sauce, you will surely feel like you are in a Chinese restaurant. It is even better than takeout. Now get your kitchen and dining area ready and give it a try! It’s perfect time to give your family a good treat of Chinese food.