Crispy Mongolian Chicken Recipe
Bring the irresistible flavors of Mongolian cuisine to your dinner table with this easy and delicious Crispy Mongolian Chicken recipe. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining crispy chicken with a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy chicken, let the coated chicken sit for 5 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken fries evenly and stays crispy.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Pro Tip: Taste the sauce before adding the slurry. Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- In a large skillet or wok, toss the fried chicken with the sauce until each piece is well coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or a side of stir-fried vegetables to add color and balance to the plate.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Variations
- Make it spicy: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Use tofu: For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with firm tofu, prepared in the same way.
- Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, onions, or snap peas for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Enjoy this Crispy Mongolian Chicken as a crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and delightful textures. It’s so good, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation!
