Moo Shu Chicken is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This classic dish is known for its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, all wrapped in a delicate pancake. In this blog post, we will explore the beauty of Moo Shu Chicken and how you can enjoy this Chinese flavor right in your own kitchen. From the traditional ingredients like shredded chicken, cabbage, and mushrooms to the aromatic blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Moo Shu Chicken is a must-try dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of China. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Moo Shu Chicken and how you can recreate this Chinese favorite in your own home.
What is Moo Shu Chicken?
Moo Shu Chicken is a traditional Chinese restaurant classic-style dinner that tastes better than takeout! Usually, just ten minutes are required to prepare this dish, which contains chicken, vegetables, and sauce. Unfortunately, Chinese restaurant versions are not as delicious as moo shu chicken, a combination of authentic Chinese food and American Chinese cuisine. Juicy chicken is cooked quickly with napa cabbage, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The meal is healthy and delicious when served with moo shu wrappers or steamed rice.
Origin of Moo Shu Chicken
It is unclear where or how the name of this popular northern Chinese dish originated. “Mu shu” is traditionally thought to refer to flower blossoms, such as cassia or olive.
In traditional Chinese cooking, Moo Shu Chicken is served with Peking pancakes brushed with hoisin sauce. Following the forest theme, the pancakes are meant to represent the earth. When you order these at a restaurant, they are usually served with green onion brushes, slits on either side of green onion slices used to spread the hoisin sauce. Rolling up the pancake with moo shu filling, and then dipping it in hoisin or plum sauce, creates a cigar-like shape.
RECIPE FOR MOO SHU CHICKEN
Follow the below-mentioned instructions to make the delicious recipe for Moo Shu Chicken.
- To make the chicken marinade, whisk together the ingredients in a bowl (chicken breast, water, cornstarch, oil, sesame oil, white pepper) until well incorporated. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan, and then add the eggs. Transfer the egg omelet to a cutting board by cutting it into thin strips. Put aside.
- Put 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil in a bowl. Combine well, then set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to your wok or large skillet and heat it until almost smoking. Sear each side until about 80% done, then return to the marinade bowl. Place aside.
- Heat the wok on high and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Stir in the garlic, followed by the shredded napa cabbage, the rehydrated dried shiitake mushrooms, the wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
- After 1 minute, give everything a good stir. Add the Shaoxing wine and stir-fry for 20 more seconds.
- To this mixture, add the cooked chicken, egg strips, and sauce mixture.
- The pan must be hot enough so that some liquid does not remain at the bottom. Moo shu chicken with soup is not what anybody wants!
- It is served with additional hoisin sauce and scallions!
Best Ingrdients for Moo Shu Chicken
Here are the ingredients for Moo Shu Chicken. Check Below and click on the link to get the product as it is redirected to the Amazon.
Kikkoman Hoisin Sauce
Kikkoman has become the world’s largest maker of naturally brewed soy sauce since its founding in the early 17th century. It is made from fermented soybean paste and many other ingredients.
There are a lot of different ways to use this sauce, as it has a rich, malty, meaty, sweet taste. The taste is complemented with a touch of sweetness and acidity. Throughout, the consistency is smooth. While vinegar and sugar are the key ingredients, chilies and garlic can also be tasted in them.
Its versatile properties make it the perfect sauce for marinating, stir-frying and dipping. Additionally, it is an excellent accompaniment to Moo Shu Chicken. Because the sauce has a smooth texture, it is much better. A favorite dip for lovers of Chinese food, Kikkoman Hoisin Sauce is the star ingredient in Moo Shu Pork. This sauce has a “smokey,” “malty” texture that definitely makes a strong case for its top position.
Any vegetable will taste good after just a few stirs with this Kikkoman Hoisin Sauce when you’re short on time. No preservatives are used in making this sauce. There is little sodium in the sauce, and it is reasonably priced.
Soeos Shaoxing Cooking Wine
Shaoxing is a type of rice wine from China. In Chinese, it’s called 绍兴黄酒 or Shaoxing Huang jiu, which means Shaoxing yellow wine. This refers to Shaoxing, which is a city in the Zhejiang province that is known for rice wine.
Every Chinese restaurant uses Shaoxing wine in almost every savory dish as it lends a distinct flavor and fragrance to dishes.
Huangjiu, or traditional Chinese wines, fermented from rice, is one of the most famous varieties.
In Chinese cuisine, it is widely used both as a beverage and as a cooking wine.
Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce
There will be a combination of sweet and salty tastes in the sauce but with an earthy undertone. These factors are all influenced by the oyster quality. A low-quality oyster will give you low-quality flavors, and vice versa. With a deep savory flavor and a dash of sweetness, Lee Kum Kee is a favorite among oyster sauce fans. It doesn’t matter if it’s fried rice or chicken wings, a few drops of the sauce will make it taste like authentic Chinese take-out.
I hope my knowledge about Moo Shu Chicken is useful to you. Enjoy this delicious recipe in the comfort of your own home.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Moo Shu Chicken is a delightful Chinese dish that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. By following a few simple steps and using traditional ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Moo Shu Chicken right in your own kitchen. Whether you decide to enjoy it as a wrap, serve it over rice, or simply savor the flavors on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese cuisine. So gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and embark on a culinary journey to China with the delicious and flavorful Moo Shu Chicken.
FAQs
Absolutely! Moo Shu is versatile; you can use pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives to chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Certainly. While traditional Moo Shu pancakes are thin and flour-based, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free options for a twist on the classic.
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Store the chicken, vegetables, and pancakes separately, and assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
Get creative! Add ingredients like sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for extra flavor and texture.
