Moo Shu Chicken
Moo Shu Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender marinated chicken with fresh vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this Asian-inspired recipe showcases the vibrant tastes of garlic and ginger. The unique blend of ingredients makes it both comforting and exciting, ensuring it will become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables delivers an explosion of taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or wrap it in pancakes for a fun twist on dinner.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Moo Shu Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken and vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining marinades and mixing ingredients seamlessly.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth marinade by thoroughly mixing all ingredients together.
- Tongs: Perfect for safely flipping and removing hot chicken from the skillet.
Ingredients
Moo Shu Chicken combines tender marinated chicken stir-fried with cabbage, mushrooms, and eggs in a savory sauce with the flavors of garlic and ginger.
For the Marinade:
- ⅔ cup Hoisin Sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (or ginger paste)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons mirin
For the Chicken:
- 1¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups sliced shitake mushrooms
- 4 cups sliced green cabbage (or Napa cabbage)
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
How to Make Moo Shu Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the Hoisin Sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, black pepper, and mirin. Remove ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cut chicken to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Stir to combine well and let it set for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 2-3 minutes). Work in batches if necessary. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté Mushrooms
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add sliced mushrooms. Cook until browned before removing them to the plate with cooked chicken.
Step 5: Scramble Eggs
If needed, add more vegetable oil to the skillet. Pour in beaten eggs over medium-low heat. Cook until set enough to flip; then use a spatula to flip them until fully cooked. Remove eggs from skillet and cut into thin strips before covering them to keep warm.
Step 6: Cook Cabbage
Add more vegetable oil if necessary into the same skillet. Add sliced cabbage; cook until slightly wilted. Return cooked chicken, mushrooms, and eggs back into the skillet. Whisk together saved marinade mixture; drizzle over everything in skillet. Stir well to coat while cooking on medium-low heat for several minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions just before serving. For best results, serve promptly alongside rice or pancakes!
How to Serve Moo Shu Chicken
Moo Shu Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Wraps
- Use thin pancakes or tortillas as wraps for the Moo Shu Chicken. This adds a fun, interactive element to your meal.
Rice Bowls
- Serve Moo Shu Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. This helps soak up the savory sauce and complements the flavors beautifully.
Lettuce Cups
- For a low-carb option, spoon the Moo Shu Chicken into crisp lettuce cups. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a great appetizer.
Stir-Fried Noodles
- Pair Moo Shu Chicken with stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal. The noodles will absorb the sauce, creating an irresistible combination.
Side Salad
- A light side salad can balance the richness of Moo Shu Chicken. Consider using fresh greens and a simple vinaigrette.
How to Perfect Moo Shu Chicken
To ensure your Moo Shu Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Use high heat: Cooking on medium-high heat allows for quick browning, which locks in moisture and flavor.
- Customize vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming, which keeps everything nicely browned.
- Adjust sauce thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook longer after combining with the chicken and veggies.
- Garnish well: Fresh green onions not only add flavor but also make your dish visually appealing.
Best Side Dishes for Moo Shu Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Moo Shu Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – This aromatic rice is an ideal base for soaking up the delicious sauce from your Moo Shu Chicken.
- Garlic Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli tossed with garlic complements the flavors of your main dish while adding nutrients.
- Egg Fried Rice – A flavorful rice dish that blends well with the savory elements of Moo Shu Chicken.
- Asian Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad with cucumbers and sesame dressing that provides crunch and contrast.
- Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch to accompany your meal.
- Sautéed Bok Choy – Quickly sautéed bok choy adds vibrant color and is rich in vitamins, making it a healthy choice.
- Miso Soup – A light miso soup serves as a warm starter that pairs well with Asian flavors.
- Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled vegetables provide a nice contrast to the savory Moo Shu Chicken, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Moo Shu Chicken turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken will lead to bland flavors. Allow the chicken to rest in the marinade for at least 10 minutes.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect sear.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap sauces can ruin the dish’s flavor. Invest in good quality hoisin sauce and soy sauce for a better taste.
- Underestimating Cabbage Cooking Time: If you don’t cook the cabbage long enough, it can be too crunchy. Sauté until slightly wilted for the best texture.
- Not Setting Aside Sauce: Forgetting to reserve part of the sauce can lead to an overly salty dish. Always set aside some marinade before adding it back to the skillet.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted vegetables affects taste and appearance. Always choose fresh cabbage and mushrooms for vibrant color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Moo Shu Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Moo Shu Chicken
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag; it lasts up to 2 months.
Reheating Moo Shu Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Moo Shu Chicken.
What is Moo Shu Chicken?
Moo Shu Chicken is a classic Asian dish featuring stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and eggs made savory with garlic and ginger.
How do I make Moo Shu Chicken?
To prepare Moo Shu Chicken, marinate chicken strips, stir-fry with cabbage and mushrooms, then combine with eggs and sauce for a delicious meal.
Can I customize my Moo Shu Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots based on your preference.
What should I serve with Moo Shu Chicken?
Moo Shu Chicken pairs well with steamed rice or warm tortillas for wrapping.
How do I store leftover Moo Shu Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for two months.
Final Thoughts
Moo Shu Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special, this recipe delivers. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Moo Shu Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Moo Shu Chicken is a delightful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender marinated chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. With its savory garlic and ginger undertones, this quick-to-prepare recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up an unforgettable meal that can be served over rice, wrapped in pancakes, or enjoyed in lettuce cups. This versatile dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes for excellent meal prep options throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
- ⅔ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups sliced green cabbage (or Napa cabbage)
- 1½ cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, black pepper, and mirin. Reserve half for later.
- Marinate the chicken in the remaining mixture for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned (about 2–3 minutes). Remove and keep warm.
- Sauté mushrooms in the same skillet until browned; set aside with chicken.
- Scramble beaten eggs in the skillet until fully cooked; cut into strips.
- Cook cabbage until slightly wilted, then add back the chicken, mushrooms, and eggs with reserved marinade. Stir to coat until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
