Moo Goo Gai Pan is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of chicken and a variety of fresh vegetables in a light, savory sauce. The name translates to “mushrooms and sliced chicken,” and the dish typically includes mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, and bamboo shoots. The sauce, made from a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of ginger, enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and chicken without overpowering them. Moo Goo Gai Pan is light, healthy, and full of fresh, vibrant flavors, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 can (8 oz) bamboo shoots, drained
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the vegetables and sauce.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar. 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 for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, bamboo shoots, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve Moo Goo Gai Pan over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
This light and flavorful stir-fry is quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner.