Description
Savor the bold flavors of Mongolian Chicken, a sizzling dish that blends sweet and spicy notes with tender meat. Crispy chicken strips dance in a glossy sauce, inviting you to explore a culinary journey that promises satisfaction in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
Marinade and Coating:
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shao-xing wine)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by slicing thighs thinly and creating a tenderizing marinade using Chinese cooking wine and baking soda. Allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly coat with cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
- Heat oil in a pan or wok at high temperature until shimmering. Carefully place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring each piece has space. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown, crispy texture. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Without cleaning the pan, reduce heat to medium-high and add fresh oil. Quickly sauté minced garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and scallion whites, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Create the sauce by combining chicken stock, brown sugar, soy sauce varieties, and a cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened consistency.
- Reintroduce the crispy chicken to the pan, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage. Add green scallion tops and briefly stir-fry for an additional minute to integrate flavors.
- Present the dish immediately, optionally garnishing with additional green onions or sesame seeds. Serve alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken with baking soda to break down proteins, creating an incredibly tender and soft texture that melts in your mouth.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast meat for richer flavor and juicier results, preventing dry and tough chicken during cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing dried chilies, making the dish adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 311 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg