Description
This Mongolian Chicken recipe delivers a quick and flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, sticky sauce that balances natural sweetness from brown sugar with savory vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and aromatic garlic and ginger, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Versatile and family-friendly, it can be enjoyed as is or customized with vegetables or plant-based proteins for a satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (plant-based)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup grape juice (natural)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (natural gelling agent)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 scallions, chopped (for both cooking and garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (natural) for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to get a nice sear and golden crust in the pan.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), brown sugar (plant-based), minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, grape juice (natural), water, and cornstarch (natural gelling agent) until smooth and well combined. This sauce will become thick and glossy when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and cook until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Bring the Sauce Together: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same hot skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and becomes shiny and sticky, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. Add chopped scallions and stir for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors and add freshness. Remove from heat.
Notes
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and to get a better caramelized texture.
- Stir sauce continuously when thickening to prevent lumps and burning.
- Add scallions last for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying brown sugar amounts according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Mongolian Chicken, quick dinner, savory chicken, stir-fry, gluten free, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)