Make Your Own Chinese Takeaway Chicken and Mushroom Dish
Are you craving Chinese takeaway but want to try making it at home? Look no further than this delicious chicken and mushroom recipe. With just a few essential ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can enjoy the flavours of your favourite Chinese takeaway in the comfort of your own home.
To make this dish, you will need chicken, mushrooms, green onions, and a savoury Chinese brown gravy. You can also add in other ingredients such as zucchini or seafood to make it your own. The cooking technique involves cooking the chicken over high heat with the mushrooms and green onions before adding in the gravy for a delicious finishing touch. Serve with rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
Key Takeaways
- You can easily make a delicious Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom recipe at home.
- Essential ingredients for this dish include chicken, mushrooms, green onions, and Chinese brown gravy.
- You can customize this recipe by adding in other ingredients such as zucchini or seafood.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom, there are a few essential ingredients that you simply cannot do without. Here are some of the most important ingredients you'll need to make this delicious dish:
Chicken Selection
The type of chicken you use for this recipe is very important. You'll want to choose a tender cut of chicken, such as chicken breast or chicken thigh. If you prefer, you can also use seafood, such as prawns or scallops, for a different twist on this classic recipe.
Mushroom Varieties
The type of mushrooms you use will also have a big impact on the flavour of your dish. Some popular varieties include chestnut mushrooms, closed cup mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try using other types of mushrooms, such as enoki or oyster mushrooms.
Sauces and Seasonings
To give your chicken and mushroom dish that authentic Chinese takeaway flavour, you'll need to use a variety of sauces and seasonings. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil are all essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. You'll also want to add some fresh ginger, garlic, and onions to give your dish a bit of extra flavour.
Overall, the key to making a delicious Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom dish is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to be creative with your seasonings and sauces. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to create a dish that's just as good as your favourite takeaway!
Preparation Steps
Preparing a Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom recipe is a quick and easy process. The following steps will guide you through the preparation process.
Marinating the Chicken
To start, you will need to marinate the chicken. You can use either chicken breast or chicken thigh for this recipe. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add your marinade, which can be a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare your vegetables. Shiitake mushrooms, button mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli are commonly used in Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom recipes. Slice the mushrooms, cut the carrots into thin strips, and cut the broccoli into small florets.
Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for a minute or two until they are lightly browned. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside.
Next, add the sliced carrots to the pan and stir-fry for a minute or two until they are slightly tender. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another minute. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
Seafood Alternative
If you want to add seafood to your Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the pan after cooking the vegetables and stir-fry until they are cooked through. Make sure not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Cooking Technique
Mastering the Wok
When it comes to cooking Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom, mastering the wok is essential. A wok is a versatile kitchen tool that allows you to cook food quickly and evenly. It is perfect for stir-frying, which is the cooking technique used in this recipe.
To cook Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom, you need to heat your wok over high heat until it is smoking hot. Add some oil to the wok and swirl it around to coat the surface. You can use any cooking oil you prefer, but peanut oil is a popular choice for Chinese cooking.
Stir-Frying Fundamentals
Stir-frying is a quick and easy cooking technique that involves cooking food in a small amount of oil over high heat. It is essential to keep the food moving constantly to prevent it from burning.
When stir-frying Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom, start by cooking the chicken in the wok for a few minutes until it is browned. Then, add the mushrooms and stir-fry for a few more minutes until they are tender.
To add more flavour to your dish, you can also include seafood such as prawns or scallops. These can be added to the wok at the same time as the mushrooms and cooked until they are pink and opaque.
Overall, cooking Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom requires a hot wok, a small amount of oil, and constant stirring. With these simple techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese dish in no time.
Serving and Pairing
Accompaniments
When serving Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom, you have a variety of accompaniments to choose from. The most common options are rice and noodles. You can serve the dish with steamed rice, egg fried rice, or plain fried rice. If you want to add some extra flavour to the rice, consider adding some soy sauce or sesame oil.
If you prefer noodles, you can pair the chicken and mushroom with either chow mein or vermicelli noodles. Both options work well with the dish and add a great texture to the meal. If you want to make a complete meal, you can also serve some soup on the side.
Seafood can also be a great addition to the dish. You can add some prawns or squid to the recipe to give it a unique twist. The seafood will complement the chicken and mushroom and add some extra protein to the dish.
Presentation Tips
When serving Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom, presentation is key. You can use a large platter to serve the dish family-style, or you can plate it individually. If you want to add some colour to the dish, you can garnish it with some chopped green onions or coriander.
To make the dish look more appetizing, you can arrange the chicken and mushroom on top of a bed of rice or noodles. You can also add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy, to the plate to make it more filling and nutritious.
Overall, Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you choose rice, noodles, or seafood, the dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom, it is important to consider the nutritional information. This dish is high in protein and can be a good source of fibre if you use whole grain rice or noodles. However, it can also be high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories, depending on the recipe and preparation method.
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for a typical Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom dish:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 988 kcal |
| Total Fat | 44 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 1920 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 71 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Protein | 70 g |
| Nutrition Facts |
As you can see, this dish is high in calories and contains a significant amount of saturated fat and sodium. If you are watching your calorie intake, you may want to consider using leaner cuts of chicken or reducing the amount of oil used in the recipe.
If you are looking to add more variety to your Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom dish, seafood can be a great addition. Shrimp, squid, and scallops are all great options that can add a unique flavour and texture to the dish. Just be sure to cook the seafood properly and avoid overcooking to ensure it stays tender and flavourful.
In conclusion, Chinese takeaway chicken and mushroom can be a delicious and satisfying meal, but it is important to be aware of its nutritional information and make adjustments to the recipe as necessary. By making small changes and adding seafood, you can create a healthier and more varied version of this classic dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a simple Chinese chicken and mushroom dish at home?
Making a simple Chinese chicken and mushroom dish at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. You will need chicken, mushrooms, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and some vegetable oil. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it with soy sauce and oyster sauce for at least 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan and stir-fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Add the mushrooms and continue to stir-fry until they are tender. Serve with rice or noodles.
What's the secret to creating tender chicken like in Chinese takeaway?
The secret to creating tender chicken like in Chinese takeaway is to marinate the chicken with cornstarch and egg whites. This technique helps to tenderize the chicken and keep it moist during cooking. Another tip is to cook the chicken over high heat to seal in the juices and prevent it from becoming tough.
Can I prepare a Chinese chicken and mushroom dish using a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare a Chinese chicken and mushroom dish using a slow cooker. Simply add the chicken, mushrooms, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and some vegetable oil to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The result will be tender and flavourful chicken that is perfect for a comforting meal.
Is it healthy to eat chicken and mushroom from a Chinese takeaway?
Chicken and mushroom from a Chinese takeaway can be a healthy option if you choose wisely. Avoid dishes that are deep-fried or high in sugar and sodium. Opt for dishes that are stir-fried or steamed and contain plenty of vegetables. If you are concerned about the quality of the ingredients, consider making your own Chinese chicken and mushroom dish at home.
What are some tips for making a Chinese chicken and mushroom in gravy?
To make a Chinese chicken and mushroom in gravy, use chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water to create a savoury sauce. Cook the chicken and mushrooms in a wok or frying pan and then add the sauce to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and mushrooms. Serve with rice or noodles.
How does chicken and mushroom in oyster sauce differ from the regular takeaway recipe?
Chicken and mushroom in oyster sauce is a classic Chinese dish that is often found on the menu of Chinese takeaways. The dish is made by stir-frying chicken and mushrooms with a sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. The result is a savoury and slightly sweet dish that is perfect for serving with rice or noodles. If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can use prawns or squid instead of chicken.