When it comes to a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy, Mongolian Chicken Noodles hit the mark. This dish combines tender boneless chicken breast, crisp-tender vegetables, and chewy rice noodles all smothered in a rich, savory sauce. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or something new to impress your friends at a gathering, this recipe delivers on both taste and presentation.
In this detailed guide, we will explore how to make Mongolian Chicken Noodles, step by step. From preparing the ingredients to the final serving, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to elevate this dish. Plus, we’ll dive into its rich history, health benefits, and various ways to customize it according to your preferences. Let’s get started with understanding the ingredients before jumping into the recipe!
The Essentials: Ingredients for Mongolian Chicken Noodles
Before we begin cooking, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with the ingredients that go into this mouthwatering dish. Each component plays a unique role in creating a balanced, flavorful meal.
Main Ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: This is the star of the dish, providing lean protein. Cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes allows for quick cooking and even distribution in the noodles. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of sesame oil, which imparts a distinctive nutty flavor that blends perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
- Rice Noodles: These thin, flat noodles are the foundation of the dish. They absorb the sauce beautifully and provide a soft, chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crispy vegetables and tender chicken.
- Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and vegetables, olive oil adds a touch of richness without overpowering the flavors. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional vegetable oil.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds a much-needed crunch and vibrant color to the dish. Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s a healthy addition that pairs wonderfully with the noodles.
- Grated Carrots: Carrots bring a slight sweetness and additional texture to the dish, balancing out the savory sauce and providing a pop of color.
- Bell Pepper: Thinly sliced bell pepper adds a mild sweetness and a crisp bite, rounding out the vegetable medley that makes this dish so delightful.
Aromatics and Flavoring Ingredients:
- Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Both garlic and ginger are essential in Mongolian cuisine, providing aromatic and slightly spicy notes that elevate the flavor profile of the dish. They are sautéed together to release their natural oils and infuse the sauce with deep flavor.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This soy sauce creates the base of the sauce, contributing a salty, umami-rich flavor. The low-sodium version ensures the dish is balanced and not overly salty.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce, which helps counterbalance the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Hoisin Sauce: This thick, sweet, and savory sauce brings complexity to the dish, with hints of garlic, chili, and spices. Hoisin sauce is essential for achieving the signature flavor of Mongolian Chicken Noodles.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, velvety texture, cornstarch is mixed with water to create a slurry. This helps the sauce coat the noodles and chicken perfectly.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients and enhances the authenticity of this dish.
- Red Chili Flakes or Sriracha Sauce: For those who enjoy a little heat, red chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha sauce can be added for a spicy kick. This step is optional, so feel free to adjust the spice level based on your preference.
Garnishes:
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the dish, making it visually appealing and more flavorful.
- Sliced Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions are the perfect garnish, offering a sharp contrast to the richness of the sauce while adding freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mongolian Chicken Noodles
Now that we know the ingredients, let’s get into the process of making Mongolian Chicken Noodles. This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish in just 18 minutes!
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little sesame oil. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. Set the chicken aside to marinate in the seasoning while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Soak the Rice Noodles
Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 8 minutes until they are soft but still al dente. Be careful not to over-soak them, as they can become mushy if left in the water for too long. Once done, drain and set the noodles aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, broccoli florets, grated carrots, and thinly sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.
5. Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water. Adjust the water to achieve your desired sauce consistency – thicker if you like a more substantial coating on the noodles and chicken. The sauce should be smooth and glossy once everything is well combined.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and add the soaked rice noodles. Gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating of sauce. Let the mixture cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens, and everything is heated through. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to sprinkle in some red chili flakes or drizzle Sriracha sauce at this point.
7. Serve
Transfer the Mongolian Chicken Noodles to serving plates. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Mongolian Chicken Noodles provides approximately:
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
This dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. It’s a great balance of healthy vegetables, lean protein, and hearty noodles, all coated in a flavorful sauce.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Chicken Noodles
- Protein Variations: While chicken breast is the traditional choice, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier cut of meat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh can easily replace the chicken.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your rice noodles are certified gluten-free.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra Sriracha sauce or a generous sprinkle of red chili flakes for a spicy kick, or adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Noodle Options: While rice noodles are the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of noodles, like egg noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Conclusion
Mongolian Chicken Noodles is a fantastic dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a savory-sweet sauce is truly irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re looking to customize the recipe or stick to the classic version, this dish offers versatility and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it out today, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!