Description
This Sweet and Spicy Mongolian Chicken combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in a quick and easy dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. Coated in a garlicky ginger sauce with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or flavorful dish to impress guests. Serve it over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps for a complete meal that’s better than takeout!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy sauce, water, dark brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
- Remove from heat, stir in sliced green onions, and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes or adding a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
- To make this dish lower in carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Asian, Quick Meals
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
