Chicken and Mushroom Chinese Style Recipes: Yummy Ideas for Your Next Meal

If you're exploring Chinese cuisine,  you've probably had your fair share of chicken and mushroom dishes. These dishes are popular for a reason: they're delicious, easy to make, and versatile. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, there's a Chinese-style chicken and mushroom recipe out there for you.

Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavours and aromatic spices, and chicken and mushroom dishes are no exception. These recipes often feature a savoury brown gravy made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other umami-rich ingredients. The mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavour that complements the tender chicken perfectly. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some seafood to the mix for a truly decadent meal.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes are easy to make and packed with bold flavours.
• The key to a delicious dish is using umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce and oyster sauce.
• For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding some seafood to the mix.

Understanding Chinese Chicken and Mushroom Cuisine

Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavours, and chicken and mushroom stir-fry is no exception. This dish is a staple in Chinese restaurants and takeout menus around the world, and it's easy to see why. The combination of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

To achieve an authentic flavour, it's important to use a traditional wok when cooking Chinese chicken and mushrooms. The high heat and sloping sides of the wok allow for quick and even cooking, ensuring that the chicken and mushrooms are cooked to perfection. Additionally, using a combination of vegetable oil and sesame oil adds depth and richness to the dish.

When it comes to seasoning, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice wine are essential ingredients in Chinese cooking. Dark soy sauce adds colour and richness to the dish, while light soy sauce provides saltiness and umami. The oyster sauce adds sweetness and depth of flavour, and Chinese cooking wine, such as Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, adds complexity and balance.

To make the perfect Chinese chicken and mushroom stir-fry, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This will tenderize the meat and give it a rich, savoury flavour. Then, stir-fry the chicken and mushrooms in a hot wok until they are cooked through and slightly crispy. Finally, add the sauce, made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice wine, and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and mushrooms.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding seafood to your Chinese chicken and mushroom stir-fry. Shrimp or scallops would be a delicious addition to this dish, adding a sweet and briny flavour that pairs well with the chicken and mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the seafood is cooked through.

Overall, Chinese chicken and mushroom stir-fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy the flavours of Chinese cuisine in the comfort of your own home.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to making Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. Here are some of the key proteins, vegetables, sauces, and seasonings that you'll want to consider:

Proteins

Chicken is the most common protein used in Chinese-style chicken and mushroom recipes. Chicken breast and chicken thighs are both good choices, depending on your preference. Beef can also be used as a substitute for chicken if you prefer a heartier flavour. For a vegetarian option, tofu is a great choice.

If you are interested in incorporating seafood into your dish, shrimp or scallops would be a great addition.

Vegetables

Mushrooms are the star vegetable in these dishes, and shiitake mushrooms are a popular choice. Other vegetables that pair well with chicken and mushrooms include green onions, broccoli, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, snow peas, zucchini, and carrots.

Sauces and Seasonings

Soy sauce is the most commonly used sauce in Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes. Oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and black bean sauce are also popular choices. Garlic and ginger are essential seasonings for adding flavour to the dish, and white pepper is often used for a subtle kick of heat. Salt and sugar are also used to balance the flavours.

Cornstarch is often used as a thickener for the sauce, as it helps to create a smooth texture.

Additional Ingredients

While the above ingredients are the most commonly used in Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes, there are many other ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavour. For example, sesame oil can be used to add a nutty flavour, and rice vinegar can be used to add a tangy flavour.

If you want to add a bit of heat to your dish, you can add some red pepper flakes or Sichuan peppercorns.

Overall, these ingredients can be mixed and matched to create a variety of delicious Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect recipe for you.

Recipe Preparation and Cooking Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

To ensure tender and flavourful chicken in your Chinese-style chicken and mushroom recipe, marinating the chicken is a crucial step. You can marinate the chicken with a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of baking soda. The baking soda helps to tenderize the chicken by breaking down the protein. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavour.

Preparing the Vegetables

For the mushroom and vegetable component of the recipe, you can use a mix of your favourite vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, and onions. Slice the vegetables into thin, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp, scallops, or squid. Be sure to clean and devein the shrimp and cut the squid into rings.

Stir-Frying in a Wok

Stir-frying in a wok is the traditional way to cook Chinese-style chicken and mushroom. A wok is a versatile and efficient cooking vessel that distributes heat evenly. Heat the wok over high heat until it starts to smoke, then add oil and swirl to coat the wok. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it's almost cooked through, then remove it from the wok. Add more oil if needed, then add the vegetables and stir-fry until they're tender but still crisp. Finally, add the chicken back to the wok, along with the mushrooms and your choice of sauce. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened.

In conclusion, marinating the chicken, preparing the vegetables, and stir-frying in a wok are the key techniques to make a delicious and authentic Chinese-style chicken and mushroom recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and proteins, such as seafood, to create your own unique version of this classic dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Accompanying Dishes

When serving Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes, there are a variety of accompanying dishes that can be paired with them to create a complete meal. Steamed rice is a classic choice that works well with most dishes, but you can also try using jasmine rice or fried rice for a different flavour profile.

If you're looking for something other than rice, noodles are another great option. You can use either egg noodles or rice noodles, depending on your preference. Stir-fried veggies, such as bok choy or broccoli, can also be served as a side dish to add some colour and nutrition to your meal.

To add a bit of extra flavour to your dishes, you can try serving them with some hoisin sauce or rice vinegar. Sesame seeds can also be sprinkled on top of the dish for an added crunch.

Presentation Tips

When it comes to presenting your Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to garnish your dish with some sliced spring onions or green onions to add some colour and freshness.

You can also try serving your dish in a large bowl with the rice or noodles in the bottom and the chicken and mushrooms on top. This will create a visually appealing presentation that will make your dish look even more appetising.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your dish, you can try using shrimp or scallops. These can be cooked in the same way as the chicken and mushrooms and will add some extra flavour and texture to your dish. Alternatively, you can try making a seafood stir-fry with shrimp, scallops, and vegetables for a complete meal.

Overall, there are many ways to serve and pair your Chinese-style chicken and mushroom dishes. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create a meal that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Storing and Reheating

Once you have cooked your delicious Chinese chicken and mushroom recipe, you may have some leftovers that you want to store for later. It is important to store the food properly to prevent it from going bad and to ensure that it retains its flavour and texture.

To store your leftovers, let them cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge and store it for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to reheat your leftovers, you can do so in the microwave or on the stove. If you are using the microwave, cover the container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat it for 1-2 minutes. If you are using the stove, heat the food in a pan over medium heat until it is heated through.

If you want to add some variety to your Chinese chicken and mushroom recipe, you can try adding some seafood to it. Shrimp or prawns can be a great addition to the recipe, and they can be cooked in the same way as the chicken. Just make sure to cook them until they are pink and opaque before adding them to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a simple chicken and mushroom stir-fry?

To make a simple chicken and mushroom stir-fry, you will need sliced chicken breast, sliced mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until tender. Add soy sauce to taste and stir-fry for another minute. Serve with rice.

What's the secret to tender chicken in Chinese cooking?

The secret to tender chicken in Chinese cooking is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavour to the dish. You should also cook the chicken quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough.

Which Chinese chicken dish is considered the most popular?

One of the most popular Chinese chicken dishes is Kung Pao Chicken. This spicy dish is made with diced chicken, peanuts, and dried red chillies. It has a sweet and savoury flavour and is often served with rice.

Can you suggest a healthy version of chicken and mushroom the Chinese way?

For a healthy version of chicken and mushroom the Chinese way, you can use skinless chicken breast and replace the vegetable oil with a healthier oil such as olive oil. You can also add a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, and bell peppers to increase the nutritional value of the dish. Alternatively, you can substitute the chicken with seafood such as shrimp or scallops for a low-fat, high-protein alternative.

What are the steps to creating chicken and mushroom in oyster sauce?

To create chicken and mushroom in oyster sauce, you will need sliced chicken breast, sliced mushrooms, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until tender. Add oyster sauce and soy sauce to taste and stir-fry for another minute. Serve with rice.

How do you prepare a moist chicken and mushroom Chinese-style dish?

To prepare a moist chicken and mushroom Chinese-style dish, you should marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You should also cook the chicken quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming dry. Adding a small amount of chicken stock or water to the dish can also help to keep the chicken moist. Finally, be sure to add the mushrooms towards the end of cooking to prevent them from releasing too much moisture and making the dish watery.