Moo Shu Chicken is a flavorful, Chinese-American stir-fry dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s commonly served with thin Mandarin pancakes or over rice, making it a hearty and healthy meal. Moo Shu Chicken originated from northern China and was traditionally made with pork, but the chicken version has gained popularity for its lighter taste and versatility.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare this delicious dish, its key ingredients, and offer tips to help you recreate a restaurant-quality Moo Shu Chicken at home.
ALSO READ: Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl Recipe
What Is Moo Shu Chicken?
Moo Shu Chicken is a stir-fry dish featuring sliced chicken breast, a variety of vegetables (like cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots), and a savory sauce made from hoisin, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It’s often served with Mandarin pancakes (similar to thin tortillas) or steamed rice. The dish is known for its bold, rich flavors and the combination of textures from the soft chicken, crunchy vegetables, and chewy pancakes.
Now, let’s get into the ingredients and step-by-step process for making this dish.
Essential Ingredients for Moo Shu Chicken
1. Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used, sliced thinly for quick cooking.
2. Vegetables
- Cabbage: Napa or regular green cabbage is often used as the base vegetable for Moo Shu Chicken.
- Mushrooms: Wood ear mushrooms are traditional, but shiitake or regular button mushrooms work well too.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned carrots add sweetness and crunch.
- Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness to the dish.
3. Hoisin Sauce
This sweet and salty sauce gives Moo Shu Chicken its signature flavor. It’s often mixed with soy sauce and sesame oil for a rich, flavorful stir-fry sauce.
4. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce provides the salty, umami base for the sauce.
5. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil enhances the flavor with its nutty aroma.
6. Mandarin Pancakes or Rice
Moo Shu Chicken is traditionally served with Mandarin pancakes, but you can also enjoy it with steamed rice or even lettuce wraps.
7. Eggs
A scrambled egg is often added for extra texture and flavor.
8. Ginger and Garlic
Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for creating a flavorful stir-fry.
Let’s now proceed to the recipe.
Moo Shu Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 300-400g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups Napa cabbage (or green cabbage), thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For serving:
- Mandarin pancakes or steamed rice
- Hoisin sauce for spreading (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts into strips against the grain. Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help keep it tender and prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, oyster sauce (if using), chicken broth, and sugar. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the oil: In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
- Cook the eggs: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them lightly, then transfer them to a plate.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables: Add the cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and half of the green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Add the chicken back in: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the Moo Shu Chicken: Transfer the Moo Shu Chicken to a serving dish. Serve with Mandarin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and the remaining green onions for garnish. Alternatively, serve over steamed rice.
How to Eat Moo Shu Chicken:
- If you’re using Mandarin pancakes, spread a little hoisin sauce on the pancake, add a few spoonfuls of the Moo Shu Chicken mixture, and roll it up like a taco or wrap.
- For a lighter option, you can also serve Moo Shu Chicken in lettuce wraps or over steamed rice.
Tips for Making Moo Shu Chicken
1. Prepare Ingredients Ahead
Stir-frying is a quick process, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
2. Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic
Fresh ginger and garlic will give your Moo Shu Chicken a bright, fragrant flavor. Avoid using powdered or jarred versions for the best taste.
3. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
The vegetables in Moo Shu Chicken should retain some crispness, so be careful not to overcook them. A quick stir-fry for just a few minutes is usually enough.
4. Customize Your Vegetables
Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, bamboo shoots, or snap peas based on your preferences.
5. Use Pre-Made Mandarin Pancakes
You can find pre-made Mandarin pancakes in the frozen section of many Asian grocery stores, or you can make your own from scratch if you prefer.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use pork instead of chicken?
Yes! Moo Shu Pork is actually the traditional version of this dish. Simply substitute the chicken with thinly sliced pork loin or tenderloin and follow the same cooking instructions.
Q2: Where can I buy Mandarin pancakes?
Mandarin pancakes can be found in the frozen section of most Asian grocery stores. You can also make them at home using a simple flour and water dough.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and use tofu or extra vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the ingredients you use.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the Moo Shu Chicken in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave.
Q5: Can I freeze Moo Shu Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture for up to 2 months. However, Mandarin pancakes are best enjoyed fresh and may not freeze well.
Conclusion
Moo Shu Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that you can easily make at home. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner. Serve it with Mandarin pancakes for an authentic touch, or enjoy it over rice for a heartier option. This dish is also highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein choices. With just a few steps, you can enjoy the rich, bold flavors of this classic Chinese-American dish.
Image Courtesy: smalltownwoman
