Name: Moo Shu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cups shredded cabbage; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 4 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 Mandarin pancakes or flour tortillas

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Moo Shu Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful Chinese stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. Served traditionally with Mandarin pancakes, it’s a fun and delicious meal to prepare at home. This recipe guides you through each step to create an authentic dish bursting with taste and texture.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with stir-fried chicken strips as the main layer, golden-brown and glossy with a slight char on the edges, mixed with translucent white onion slices and small pieces of green onion scattered on top. There are also thin strips of purple cabbage adding a splash of color among the layers. The bowl is white, and the dish is set on a white marbled surface. The image captures the texture and shine of the cooked ingredients with a soft focus background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup shredded carrots
4 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 Mandarin pancakes or flour tortillas

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce until well blended. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
Step 3: Add the vegetable oil to the skillet. When shimmering, add the thinly sliced chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Step 5: Add the shredded cabbage, sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, green onions, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over and stir well to combine. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
Step 7: Drizzle sesame oil over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir gently. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 8: Serve the Moo Shu Chicken hot with warm Mandarin pancakes or flour tortillas. Assemble by spooning the filling onto the pancakes or tortillas and folding to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For richer flavor, substitute chicken thighs for breasts, or try firm tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
To enhance the mushroom flavor, use dried shiitake mushrooms and their soaking liquid in the sauce.
Warm the pancakes or tortillas before serving to improve texture and pliability.
If you can’t find hoisin sauce, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a dash of vinegar as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover Moo Shu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve texture and flavor. Keep the pancakes or tortillas separate and warm them before serving to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a black bowl filled with stir-fried meat pieces that are golden brown and slightly crispy, mixed with translucent white and purple onion slices, and topped with small chopped green onions. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, pork or shrimp work well in Moo Shu dishes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through but tender.

What can I serve with Moo Shu Chicken?

Besides Mandarin pancakes or flour tortillas, steamed jasmine rice and a light cucumber salad are great accompaniments to balance the rich flavors.