Moo Shu Chicken

Moo Shu Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender marinated chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce full of garlic and ginger flavors. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests and offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, Moo Shu Chicken is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or substitute chicken for tofu or shrimp.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Moo Shu Chicken stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make Moo Shu Chicken efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything comes together beautifully.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large skillet allows you to stir-fry the chicken and vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even flavor distribution in your dish.

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 Stir-Fry:

• 1¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
• 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 and stir to combine. Let it set for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned and cooked through for 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, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the mushrooms and cook until browned. Remove 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 flip using a spatula until fully cooked. Remove from skillet; cut into thin strips and cover them to keep warm.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add more vegetable oil if necessary. Toss in cabbage and cook until slightly wilted. Return chicken, mushrooms, and eggs back into skillet. Whisk sauce mixture that was set aside; drizzle over everything in skillet. Stir well to combine and cook on medium-low heat until thickened.

Step 7: Serve

Sprinkle with scallions just before serving. For best results, serve promptly while hot!

How to Serve Moo Shu Chicken

Moo Shu Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Serve with Pancakes

• Chinese Pancakes: Traditionally, Moo Shu Chicken is served with thin Chinese pancakes. These soft pancakes can be filled with the chicken and vegetables for a delightful wrap.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad complements the savory flavors of the dish. Toss sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar and sesame oil for an easy side.

Pair with Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite even tastier.

Garnish with Herbs

• Fresh Cilantro or Mint: Adding fresh herbs on top enhances flavor and adds a vibrant touch to your plate.

Include Extra Veggies

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas stir-fried in sesame oil pairs well for added crunch and nutrition.

Pin this!

How to Perfect Moo Shu Chicken

To make your Moo Shu Chicken truly exceptional, consider these tips for perfecting the dish.

• Marinade: Letting the chicken marinate longer than 15 minutes can enhance its flavor significantly. Aim for at least 30 minutes if time allows.

• High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying over high heat helps achieve that perfect charred texture while keeping the ingredients crisp.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for better texture and taste. Fresh shiitake mushrooms and green cabbage bring out vibrant flavors.

• Egg Prep: Ensure the eggs are cooked just enough to remain tender. Overcooked eggs can become rubbery, so keep them soft.

• Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer after adding it to the skillet. This will intensify the flavors as well.

• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve Moo Shu Chicken right after cooking. This keeps everything fresh and warm.

Best Side Dishes for Moo Shu Chicken

Pair your Moo Shu Chicken with these delightful side dishes that complement its rich flavors.

1. Fried Rice: A classic side dish made with leftover rice, veggies, and proteins; it’s filling and adds variety to your meal.

2. Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft Moo Shu Chicken.

3. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans in garlic provide a flavorful and healthy addition that balances out the richness of the chicken dish.

4. Egg Drop Soup: This light and comforting soup is an excellent starter before diving into your main course.

5. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles tossed in a tangy dressing work as a refreshing side that complements the savory taste of Moo Shu Chicken.

6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables add brightness to your plate while cutting through the richness of Moo Shu Chicken.

7. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or veggies make for a hearty side that pairs perfectly with this Asian-inspired dish.

8. Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli drizzled with soy sauce adds both color and nutrition, enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Moo Shu Chicken, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the dish’s taste and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade time: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances its flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes.

• Not using enough oil: Stir-frying requires sufficient oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If your skillet seems dry, add a little more oil.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Work in batches to achieve that perfect sear.

• Ignoring ingredient prep: Having your ingredients prepped before starting is crucial. Chopped mushrooms, sliced cabbage, and whisked eggs should be ready to go.

• Rushing the cooking process: Each ingredient needs time to cook properly. Don’t rush; let each component develop its flavors before adding the next.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Moo Shu Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Moo Shu Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container with as much air removed as possible.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Moo Shu Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring between intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Moo Shu Chicken:

What is Moo Shu Chicken?

Moo Shu Chicken is a delicious stir-fry dish made with marinated chicken, vegetables like cabbage and mushrooms, and seasoned with garlic and ginger.

How do I make Moo Shu Chicken healthier?

You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of hoisin sauce used in the recipe. Adding more vegetables can also increase its nutritional value.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can easily substitute turkey, pork, or tofu for chicken in this Moo Shu recipe for a different taste and texture.

What do you serve with Moo Shu Chicken?

Moo Shu Chicken is typically served with rice or wrapped in thin pancakes. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light meal.

Can I prepare Moo Shu Chicken in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare all components separately ahead of time. Just combine them right before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

Moo Shu Chicken is not only flavorful but also versatile. This dish allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, give this recipe a try!