Moo Goo Gai Pan Chinese Stir Fry

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If you’re looking for a vibrant, colorful dish that is packed with flavor and easy to make, then look no further than Moo Goo Gai Pan.

This delightful Chinese stir fry features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that ties everything together.

It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that create a dish the whole family will love.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress your friends with your cooking skills.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Moo Goo Gai Pan translates to “mushroom and chicken stir fry,” and this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors.

The chicken is beautifully tender, thanks to a quick marinating process with cornstarch and seasonings.

The vegetables add a crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft chicken.

Plus, it’s customizable! You can throw in your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your taste.

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that can be whipped up in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts, sliced against the grain into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour in the UK), divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil, divided
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 6 ounces (170 g) snow peas (mangetout in the UK)
• 6 ounces (170 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 8 ounces (225 g) canned sliced water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
• 8 ounces (225 g) canned sliced bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

How To Make Moo Goo Gai Pan Chinese Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by taking your chicken breasts and slicing them against the grain into thin strips.

This will ensure that the chicken remains tender when cooked.

In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, kosher salt, and white pepper.

Mix well and set aside for about 15 minutes to marinate.

Step 2: Gather Your Veggies

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables.

Peel the carrot and slice it thinly.

Rinse the snow peas, and slice the mushrooms as well.

Make sure to drain and rinse the water chestnuts and bamboo shoots so they’re ready to go.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer.

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Toss in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Then, add the carrots, snow peas, and mushrooms.

Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still retain some crunch.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Next, add the water chestnuts and bamboo shoots to the skillet with the vegetables.

Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Then, return the chicken to the pan.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken stock, soy sauce, granulated sugar, and toasted sesame oil.

Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.

Stir well to combine and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat.

Serve your Moo Goo Gai Pan immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this homemade stir fry!

Expert Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a longer period if you have time—up to 1 hour is ideal.
• Make sure your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will ensure you get a nice sear.
• Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy can be great additions.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with some cold water before adding it to the stir fry.

Variations and Customizations

• Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Add more greens like spinach or bok choy to enhance the nutritional value.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable stock.
• If you like it spicy, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers after enjoying your Moo Goo Gai Pan, fear not! Simply allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container.

The stir fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s heated through.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after freezing.

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables for Moo Goo Gai Pan?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen stir-fry vegetable blends are a convenient option.

Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the pan.

Can I skip the cornstarch?

While the cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and create a nice coating when cooked, you can skip it if you prefer.

However, it might not be as tender.

You can also use arrowroot powder as an alternative.

What can I serve with Moo Goo Gai Pan?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even noodles.

You can also serve it alongside dumplings or spring rolls for a more complete meal.

How spicy is Moo Goo Gai Pan?

Moo Goo Gai Pan is generally not a spicy dish; it focuses more on the flavor of the chicken and vegetables.

However, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding chili oil or fresh peppers if you like it hot!

Conclusion

Moo Goo Gai Pan is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen.

With its tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a meal that everyone will adore.

Plus, it’s quick, easy, and an excellent way to use up any veggies you have on hand.

So why not give this recipe a try? You’ll soon find it becoming a favorite in your household, just like it has in many others! Happy cooking!

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