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Moo Goo Gai Pan: The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Dish


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Flavorful and tender chicken stir-fry with mushrooms and vegetables in a savory sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced (or button mushrooms)
  • 4 ounces fresh white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can sliced bamboo shoots, drained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
  • 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Slice the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts thinly against the grain (about 1/4 inch thick). Partially freezing the chicken for 30 minutes can make slicing easier.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well.
  3. Let it Rest: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
  5. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until dissolved.
  6. Set Aside: Set both the sauce mixture and cornstarch slurry aside.
  7. Heat the Wok: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot.
  8. Add the Oil: Add vegetable oil to the hot wok, swirling to coat.
  9. Stir-Fry the Chicken: Add marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Stir-fry until lightly browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  10. Sauté Aromatics: Add white parts of green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  11. Add Mushrooms: Add sliced shiitake and button mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
  12. Add Remaining Vegetables: Add bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, snow peas, carrots, and celery. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp.
  13. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the wok. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  14. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. The sauce should thicken quickly.
  15. Return the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Stir to coat chicken and vegetables in the sauce.
  16. Heat Through: Cook for another minute or two, until chicken and vegetables are heated through and sauce is thickened to your liking.
  17. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in green parts of green onions. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro (optional). Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

  • High heat is crucial for stir-frying.
  • Don’t overcrowd the wok; cook in batches if needed.
  • Prepare all ingredients in advance.
  • Adjust the sauce to your taste.
  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes