Restaurant-Style Mongolian Chicken
Restaurant Style Mongolian Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a banging takeaway but can't be bothered with the queues? are you up for a delicious, flavourful meal? this mongolian chicken recipe is your answer.
It's a sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible fakeaway classic that's way easier than you think.
Brief Overview
Mongolian chicken, despite the name, is more of an american chinese invention. it brings the sweetness of the mongolian culture. it's not really mongolian.
This is a super easy recipe. you'll need about 40 minutes from start to finish. this recipe serves around 4 hungry people.
Main Benefits
The best thing? you know exactly what's going into it, making it a healthy crockpot recipes option. serve this bad boy at your next friday night in or a casual dinner party.
Honestly, what makes this chicken crockpot recipes special is how much flavour you pack in, in under an hour.
Are you in need of ideas for slow cooker dinner recipes ?
Let's dive into the bits and bobs you'll need. First, you'll need about 1.5lbs of chicken thighs. Then we'll need a few other bits and bobs to get started.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to nail this mongolian chicken recipe. I’m not gonna lie, the quality of your ingredients really shines through.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients, My Lovelies!
Okay, pay attention, because we're about to talk specifics. we're aiming for restaurant quality mongolian chicken , so don't skimp! i once tried to make this with some dodgy soy sauce and honestly? disaster.
- Chicken time! You'll want 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into lovely, bite sized, 1 inch pieces.
- Cornstarch is next: 1/4 cup (30g) , please.
- Then for flavor; 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- And finally; 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, for frying.
Chicken Quality Check
Okay, seriously listen, buy the best chicken you can afford. look for chicken thighs that are a nice, even pink color and have a fresh, clean smell.
If they look slimy or smell funky, run, don't walk, away!
Sauce tastic Seasoning Notes
Here's where the magic happens. Forget bland, we're going full-on flavor town!
- First, 1/4 cup (60ml) of soy sauce (low sodium is ideal, trust me!).
- Then 1/4 cup (50g) of packed light brown sugar.
- Next 2 tablespoons of water
- Now 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce.
- And 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
- Also 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
- And 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
- Not forgetting 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- Finally, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Don't be afraid to play around here! if you like things spicy, add a bit more red pepper flakes. not a fan of ginger? reduce it slightly.
Honestly, the sauce is where you can really put your own stamp on things! if you are looking for healthy crockpot recipes you may want to lower the amount of brown sugar to lower the calorie count
Equipment Needed - Keep it Simple
Right, no need for fancy gadgets here. Just the basics:
- A large skillet or wok.
- Mixing bowls.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon.
No wok? no problem! a large skillet will work just fine. don't have measuring spoons? eyeballing it works in a pinch.
It's not baking, after all! you can even try to make it a chicken breast slow cooker recipe by using a crock pot slow cooker .
Just change the cooking methods and times.
So there you have it! With these ingredients and tools, you're well on your way to mongolian chicken glory.
If you like easy slow cooker dinner recipes , you may be interested to know that you can turn this recipe into a slow cooker dinner dish with a few modifications.
Another option is to use your crockpot recipes slow cooker to enjoy a hands free cooking experience. for a healthier option, try chicken crockpot recipes healthy using leaner cuts of chicken.
With chicken slow cooker recipes , this recipe becomes a delightful and stress free meal!
Alright, let's get this mongolian chicken party started. honestly, who needs takeaway when you can whip this up? i’m gonna share with you my version that is better than any restaurant.
The secret? a couple of simple tricks and fresh ingredients. according to a recent study, home cooked meals are 34% healthier than eating out.
Let's get cooking!
Cooking Mongolian Chicken: Easy Peasy Edition
This isn't your grandma’s sunday roast. we are making a tasty mongolian chicken dish. it's easier than you think. i promise, even if you've only boiled an egg before, you can nail this.
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place : First, chop that chicken. Cut those thighs into bite sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger. Whisk all sauce ingredients until homogenous. Slice those spring onions.
- Time Saving Tips : Buy pre-minced garlic and ginger. Honestly, it saves so much time. I always do. Also, measure out all your spices beforehand.
- Safety First : Hot oil is no joke! Use caution when frying. Make sure to dry the chicken well to avoid splattering.
Nail the Process
- Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, water, etc.
- Fry chicken in hot oil until golden, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Sauté the sauce until it thickens, about 2- 3 minutes .
- Add chicken to the sauce and toss until coated.
See? Easy peasy!
Pro Tips: Level Up Time!
- Secret Weapon : Double fry the chicken! This makes it extra crispy. Trust me.
- Avoid Soggy Chicken : Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches. Hot oil is Your Friend , not your enemy!
- Make Ahead Magic : You can prep the sauce and chop the veggies a day in advance. Easy shortcut!
Chicken Breast Slow Cooker or Chicken Crockpot Recipes Healthy
While this recipe is all about speed, sometimes you want a slow cooker dinner . and you know what? you can adapt the sauce for chicken slow cooker recipes .
Just sear the chicken first, then dump everything in the crock pot slow cooker for a few hours. although you can find various crockpot recipes slow cooker , most are lacking the crispy goodness of a good fry.
Don't forget, there are many healthy crockpot recipes using chicken like this. you can easily adapt them and create this version!
So there you have it. My super simple Mongolian Chicken recipe. Ditch the takeaway menu and give this a go. You might be surprised at how easy and delicious it is. Enjoy!
Right, let's get into those extra bits that make this mongolian chicken recipe shine. these are all the little tips and tricks i've picked up along the way.
Honestly, these are the things that take it from "meh" to "omg, where did you get this recipe?".
Recipe Notes That'll Make You A Star
These are the details that elevate the dish from just okay to amazing!
Serving Like A Pro
Okay, so presentation is key, right? plating this bad boy is simple. serve your mongolian chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.
I like brown rice, it's healthier you know? a sprinkle of those spring onions and sesame seeds adds a bit of fancy.
Think about a side of steamed broccoli. it cuts through the richness. honestly, even just some stir fried veg works a treat.
A light beer would wash it down nicely.
Storing Secrets Revealed
Life happens, and sometimes you've got leftovers. no worries! this mongolian chicken keeps well. pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 3-4 days. freezing is also an option. just let it cool completely first. then, freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
When reheating, a quick blast in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the hob works. i think is a fantastic option if you’re looking for slow cooker dinner recipes .
Variations for Every Palate
Fancy switching things up? i've got you covered. for a chicken crockpot recipes healthy twist, add some extra veggies to the sauce.
Think bell peppers, onions, or even some chopped carrots. if you are on diet you can also try using chicken breast slow cooker , if you're watching the carbs, try serving it with cauliflower rice.
The chicken slow cooker recipes are pretty customizable!
Nutrition Nuggets
Alright, let's talk numbers. each serving clocks in around 450 calories. you're getting a good dose of protein, around 35g.
Carbs are about 30g. remember, these are estimates. what's cool is that chicken is a great source of lean protein.
This is a win if you want to have healthy crockpot recipes .
So there you have it. all the extra bits and bobs to make this mongolian chicken recipe your own. don't be scared to experiment.
This is an easy recipe that can become the star of your slow cooker dinner rotation! it's truly a brilliant addition to your list of chicken crockpot recipes .
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Mongolian chicken crispy like they do at the restaurant?
The secret to crispy Mongolian chicken is all in the cornstarch coating and frying technique. Make sure the chicken pieces are fully coated in cornstarch before frying, and don't overcrowd the pan! Frying in batches ensures each piece gets evenly browned and crispy.
Think of it like making proper fish and chips patience is key!
Can I make Mongolian chicken ahead of time?
You can, but for the best results, it's best served fresh. The chicken tends to lose its crispiness as it sits in the sauce. If you're prepping ahead, fry the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. This helps keep the chicken as crispy as possible.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce in this Mongolian chicken recipe?
Hoisin sauce provides a unique sweet and savory flavor, but if you're in a pinch, you can try a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter (or another nut butter), a splash of honey, and a tiny bit of molasses. It won't be exactly the same, but it will get you close!
It's like trying to recreate Nando's Peri Peri sauce at home not identical, but still pretty tasty.
Can I make this Mongolian chicken healthier? What are the nutritional considerations?
Absolutely! To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of brown sugar. You could also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in smaller quantities.
Serving with brown rice and plenty of steamed vegetables will also balance things out, and you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Nutrition wise, be mindful of the sodium and sugar content, especially if you're watching your intake, similar to keeping an eye on those sneaky calories in a full English breakfast!
How long does leftover Mongolian chicken last, and how should I store it?
Leftover Mongolian chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave. Be aware that the chicken will likely soften a bit during storage.
Alternatively, you can try using an air fryer to reheat, which can sometimes restore some of the crispness. Just remember to let it cool down before storing it in the fridge to avoid condensation.
What other variations can I make to this Mongolian chicken?
Besides using beef or tofu, you can try adding different vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a more substantial meal. For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
You can also experiment with different garnishes like chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Get creative and make it your own, like putting your spin on a classic Sunday roast!
