Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Mongolian Chicken is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish is inspired by the flavors of Mongolian cuisine, which is known for its bold and aromatic ingredients. The sauce typically includes soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Mongolian Chicken is often served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, making it a satisfying and complete meal.

This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savory flavors. It's also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Mongolian Chicken is sure to impress your guests with its delicious taste and enticing aroma.

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.

Delicious Mongolian Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Dish

Try making this Mongolian Chicken recipe, a delightful savory dish made from tender chicken pieces, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. It's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion!

This popular dish is known for its rich and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken pieces perfectly. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

In this recipe, we create Mongolian Chicken using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No need to complicate things—simply cook the chicken, prepare the sauce, and combine them to get a dish you'll love. It's very affordable, beginner-friendly, and quick and easy to follow. Try this simple and basic Mongolian Chicken recipe and satisfy your cravings!

When is Mongolian Chicken 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.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Chicken is typically served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. It can also be paired with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

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 About Mongolian Chicken

• Not Actually Mongolian: Despite its name, Mongolian Chicken is not a traditional Mongolian dish. It is actually a creation of Chinese-American cuisine.
• Popular in Restaurants: Mongolian Chicken is a popular dish in many Chinese-American restaurants and is often served alongside other favorites like General Tso's Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken.
• Versatile Dish: This dish can be easily adapted to include other proteins like beef, pork, or tofu, making it a versatile option for different dietary preferences.

Tips and Tricks When Cooking Mongolian Chicken

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic and ginger can be convenient, but fresh ingredients will give your dish a more vibrant taste.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preference for sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to the sauce while it simmers.
• Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and a bit of cornstarch before cooking. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for added nutrition and color.
• Garnish with Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions make a great garnish for Mongolian Chicken, adding a fresh flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
• Serve with Rice or Noodles: Mongolian Chicken is traditionally served over steamed rice, but you can also enjoy it with noodles or quinoa for a different twist.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or sliced red chilies to the dish for a spicy kick.
• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Since this dish cooks quickly, it's best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will help ensure that everything comes together smoothly and prevents overcooking.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and retain their texture. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear on the meat.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
• Choose the Right Chicken: You can use either chicken breast or chicken thighs in making Mongolian Chicken. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, while chicken breasts are leaner.
• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Since this is a stir-fried dish, it's better to prepare all ingredients beforehand to avoid overcooking or burning them.
• Use Quality Spices: Use fresh and quality spices like red chili, ginger, and garlic to ensure the best and most mouth-watering aroma. The fresher, the better.

Mongolian Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can create a flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a dinner party, Mongolian Chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy this savory and aromatic dish and make it a staple in your kitchen. Try this Mongolian Chicken recipe today and experience the delightful flavors of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar!

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, then this dish is perfect for you. From the spices to 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 the perfect time to treat your family to some delicious Chinese food.