If you want a meal that's quick, tasty, and full of flavor, try my Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry. This simple recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent or just want a delicious dinner, this dish fits the bill. Let’s get cooking and impress your taste buds with easy steps and tips to make it perfect every time!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: With fresh vegetables and lean chicken, this stir fry is both nutritious and delicious.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a rich and savory coating for the chicken and veggies.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein, making this dish versatile for any palate.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 4 green onions, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
To make Mongolian chicken stir fry, you need fresh ingredients. For the chicken, thinly slice one pound of chicken breast. This helps it cook quickly. For the marinade, mix the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Next, gather your vegetables. You will need one cup of broccoli florets, one sliced bell pepper, and one julienned carrot. These add color and crunch. Chop four green onions for a fresh taste.
For the sauce, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sauce gives the dish its rich flavor. Use it to coat the chicken and veggies.
Now you have all your ingredients ready for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
First, get a bowl ready. Mix the sliced chicken with cornstarch. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken. Set it aside to marinate for 15 minutes. This helps the chicken stay tender.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for the best results. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry it for about 4 to 5 minutes. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for one more minute until they smell great.
Combining Ingredients
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything well so that the sauce coats all the ingredients. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together.
Final Touches
Finally, toss in the chopped green onions and mix for one last minute. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. Serve it hot, and if you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry!
Tips & Tricks
Selecting the Right Chicken
Choose chicken breast for this dish. It cooks fast and stays tender. For the best results, thinly slice the chicken. Thin slices cook evenly and soak up the flavors well. This step is key for a tasty stir-fry.
Achieving Perfectly Cooked Vegetables
Cook the vegetables just right for a crisp-tender texture. Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for about three minutes. This keeps them bright and colorful. If you overcook, they may lose their crunch and color. Watch closely as they cook.
Customizing the Sauce
You can adjust the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. For a saltier flavor, increase the soy sauce. If you have dietary needs, try low-sodium soy sauce or a sugar substitute. This way, you can still enjoy the dish without worry.
Pro Tips
- Marinade for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients. This helps achieve that perfect sear and keeps vegetables crisp.
- Prep All Ingredients: Have all your vegetables chopped and sauces ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, and being prepared will help you manage the timing.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas or mushrooms. Stir-fry is versatile and can accommodate various ingredients!
Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch chicken for beef or tofu. Beef gives a rich taste. Tofu is perfect for a meat-free meal. If you use beef, cut it thin like the chicken. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes until brown. Tofu needs about 3-4 minutes to warm up. Remember, adjust cooking times based on what you choose.
Adding More Vegetables
Adding more veggies boosts the nutrition! Try snap peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers. They add color and crunch. When you stir-fry, cook harder veggies like carrots first. They take longer to soften. Cook them for about 3 minutes. Then, toss in softer veggies like broccoli for 2 minutes. This keeps everything fresh and bright.
Spicy Version
Want heat? Add chili sauce! Start with a teaspoon and taste. You can always add more if you want it spicier. Just remember to lower the brown sugar a bit. This way, the sauce stays balanced. A little heat can take your dish to the next level!
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To store your Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry in the fridge, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This way, it won’t absorb any smells from the fridge. Your leftovers will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to reheat it well before eating.
Freezing Guidelines
If you want to freeze Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot. You can also use a microwave, stirring every minute until it’s heated through. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. First, thaw the chicken in the fridge for safety. This may take several hours or overnight. You can also use the microwave. Set it to the defrost setting and check often. Once thawed, slice it thinly to cook evenly. Then proceed with the marinating steps as usual.
What can I serve with Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry?
Mongolian chicken stir fry pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
- Steamed rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Asian-style salad
- Spring rolls
These sides add flavor and texture to your meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Here are some tips for preparing in advance:
- Cook the chicken and vegetables.
- Store them separately in airtight containers.
- Make sure to cool them before sealing to prevent moisture.
For best storage practices:
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- You can also freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
This blog post covers a tasty Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry. We went through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared storage info and answered common questions.
Experiment with proteins and veggies for your own twist. You can easily adjust the sauce to fit your taste. This dish is simple to make and perfect for any night. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious meals you creat
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