Moo Goo Gai Pan is a classic Chinese-American dish featuring tender chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. This stir-fry is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of dry sherry or cooking rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Allow it to soak for approximately 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, oyster sauce, rice wine or dry sherry, sugar, and white pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the same skillet.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, snow peas, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Combine and Cook:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Finish the Dish:
- Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and mix well.
- Add the sliced green onions and stir to combine.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Moo Goo Gai Pan to a serving dish and serve hot with steamed rice.
Conclusion
Moo Goo Gai Pan is a delightful stir-fry that brings together tender chicken and a variety of fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this classic Chinese-American favorite!