Mar Far Chicken: A Guide To The Delicious Chinese Dish

If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you might have already heard of the mouth-watering Mar Far Chicken. As a foodie myself, I was always curious about this popular dish and decided to try making it at home. And let me tell you, it was an absolute game-changer! If you’re wondering how to make Mar Far Chicken, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll be sharing everything I’ve learned about this delicious dish. From the ingredients to the preparation techniques and even the health benefits, you’ll have all the information you need to create the perfect Mar Far Chicken. So, let’s get started and discover the secrets behind this amazing Chinese recipe!

What is Mar Far Chicken?

Mar Far Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and garnished with green onions or sesame seeds. Mar Far Chicken has a unique flavor profile that combines sweet, sour, and savory notes, making it a favorite among Chinese food enthusiasts. 

The dish’s name translates to “horse treads on flying bird,” which is a reference to the dish’s crispy texture and tender meat. With its irresistible taste and satisfying crunch, Chinese Mar Far Chicken has become a beloved staple of Chinese cuisine both in China and around the world.

What does Mar Far Chicken taste like?

Mar Far Chicken has a sweet and tangy flavor with a savory undertone. The chicken pieces are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the sauce is thick and coats the chicken evenly. The sauce is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch, which gives it a complex flavor that is both sweet and sour. The chicken is usually fried until it is golden brown, which gives it a satisfying crunch and adds to the overall texture of the dish. 

Ingredients for Mar Far Chicken

When it comes to making Mar Far Chicken, the right ingredients are key to achieving the dish’s unique flavor and texture. Here are the three main categories of ingredients you will need:

Chicken

The main ingredient of Mar Far Chicken is, of course, chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or a combination of both. It’s essential to use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.

To prepare the chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Then coat the chicken in cornstarch and fry until golden brown and crispy.

Vegetables

To add some texture and flavor to your Mar Far Chicken, you can add a variety of vegetables to the dish. Some popular choices include:

• Mushrooms: Shitake mushrooms are a great option as they have a slightly meaty texture and a rich flavor that complements the sauce.
• Bamboo shoots: These add a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
• Water chestnuts: These add a unique texture to the dish, with a slightly crunchy and juicy texture that pairs well with the sauce.

You can use these vegetables alone or in combination, depending on your preferences.

Mar Far Chicken Sauce

The sauce is what makes Mar Far Chicken so unique and delicious. Here are the key ingredients you will need to make the sauce:

• Oyster sauce: This adds a rich and savory flavor to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: This adds a salty and savory flavor to the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: This is used as a thickening agent to give the sauce its thick and sticky consistency.

You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to suit your taste, but be careful not to overdo it on the salt or sugar, as the sauce can become too overpowering. With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic Mar Far Chicken dish that’s sure to impress.

Preparation for Chinese Mar Far Chicken

Preparing Mar Far Chicken requires a few steps to ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection and that the sauce has the right balance of flavors. Here are three main categories of preparation:

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare Mar Far Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch to coat it evenly.
3. Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
5. In the same pan, stir-fry the vegetables until they are slightly tender.
6. Add the sauce to the pan and stir until it thickens and coats the vegetables.
7. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice.

Tips on how to get the perfect texture and flavor

• Make sure the chicken is cut into even-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Fry the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown, but be careful not to overcook it as it can become tough.
• Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to preserve their texture and flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste, adding more or less sugar or vinegar as needed.

How to make Mar Far Chicken?

1. Clean and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, add cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken pieces with the mixture.
3. In a separate pan or wok, heat oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
5. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and green onions. Sauté until fragrant.
6. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and mix it with the sauce until the chicken is coated.
8. Add water or chicken broth to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
9. Serve the Mar Far chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Alternative cooking methods (Baking, Grilling, etc.)

While frying is the traditional method for preparing Mar Far Chicken, there are alternative cooking methods that you can try:

• Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat the chicken in cornstarch and place it on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
• Grilling: Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers and brush them with the Mar Far Chicken sauce. Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

By following these tips and experimenting with alternative cooking methods, you can create a delicious and unique Mar Far Chicken dish that suits your taste preferences.

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions can greatly enhance the dining experience of Mar Far Chicken. Here are some suggestions:

Common side dishes to serve with Mar Far Chicken

• Steamed white rice: Mar Far Chicken is a saucy dish that pairs well with plain steamed white rice. The rice can help balance out the flavors of the dish.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Add some color and nutrition to your meal with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. These can be cooked with garlic and soy sauce for added flavor.
• Egg rolls: Egg rolls can make a great appetizer or side dish to complement Mar Far Chicken. The crispy exterior and savory filling can contrast well with the saucy chicken.

Beverages that complement the flavors of the dish

• Green tea: The subtle flavor of green tea can complement the bold flavors of Mar Far Chicken without overpowering it.
• Light beer: A light beer can be a refreshing choice to cut through the richness of the dish.
• Sparkling water: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime can provide a refreshing contrast to the saucy chicken.

Tips on how to present the dish for maximum appeal

• Use a large platter: Mar Far Chicken is a dish that can be visually stunning. Arrange the chicken pieces on a large platter and pour the sauce over them. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
• Add color: Use colorful vegetables such as red and yellow bell peppers to add a pop of color to the dish.
• Serve hot: Mar Far Chicken is best served hot and fresh out of the pan. Make sure to time your cooking so that the chicken is ready to serve immediately.

Variations of Mar Far Chicken

Here are three variations of Mar Far Chicken:

Vegetarian Mar Far Chicken

• Replace the chicken with firm tofu, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Coat the tofu in the cornstarch mixture and cook it in oil until golden brown and crispy.
• Proceed with the recipe as usual, substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Spicy Mar Far Chicken

• Add some heat to the dish by adding sliced chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Increase the amount of black pepper in the cornstarch mixture.
• Consider adding a splash of vinegar or lime juice to balance out the heat.

See also: Hot Braised Chicken Wings In Pressure Cooker Recipe

Mar Far Chicken with cashew nuts

• Add cashew nuts to the recipe for a crunchy and nutty flavor.
• Toast the cashews in a dry pan until golden brown before adding them to the dish.
• Consider adding some vegetables such as bell peppers or snow peas to complement the cashews.

Note: Adjust the seasoning and ingredients to your taste preference.

Serving size and leftovers

When cooking Mar Far Chicken, it’s important to consider serving size and leftovers. Here are some tips for serving size and leftovers for Mar Far Chicken:

Portioning Mar Far Chicken for different-sized meals:

• A typical serving size of Mar Far Chicken is around 4-6 ounces per person.
• For a family-style meal, consider cooking around 1-2 pounds of chicken to serve 4-6 people.
• Adjust the recipe accordingly if you are cooking for a larger or smaller group.

Proper storage techniques for leftovers

• Store any leftover Mar Far Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
• To prevent the chicken from getting soggy, store the sauce separately from the chicken.

How to reheat Mar Far Chicken without losing flavor or texture

• To reheat, transfer the chicken to a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, heat the chicken in a pan over medium heat until it is warmed through.
• To avoid drying out the chicken, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan and cover it with a lid.
• Garnish the reheated chicken with fresh green onions and sesame seeds to add some freshness and texture back to the dish.

Note: Do not refreeze previously frozen Mar Far Chicken.

Health benefits of Mar Far Chicken

Mar Far Chicken can offer several health benefits, especially if prepared with lean cuts of chicken breast and fresh ingredients. Here are some of the health benefits of Mar Far Chicken:

High protein content

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which can help build and repair muscles, boost metabolism, and promote satiety.

Rich in vitamins and minerals

Mar Far Chicken can be made with fresh vegetables such as green onions, garlic, and ginger, which are all rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Low in fat

If prepared with lean cuts of chicken breast and minimal oil, Mar Far Chicken can be a low-fat meal option, which can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Low in calories

A serving of Mar Far Chicken with steamed white rice can provide a satisfying meal with fewer calories compared to other high-calorie dishes.

Can be made with healthy cooking methods

Mar Far Chicken can be cooked with healthy cooking methods such as stir-frying, grilling, or baking, which can help retain the nutrients and reduce the amount of added fats.

The health benefits of Mar Far Chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used. It’s important to balance your diet with a variety of healthy foods and to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.

Mar Far Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
• Additional sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken pieces with the mixture.
2. Heat oil in a pan or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and green onions. Sauté until fragrant.
4. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and mix with the sauce until the chicken is coated.
6. Pour water or chicken broth into the pan and turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for a few minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve the Mar Far chicken hot, with sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Cooking notes:

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Course: Main dish
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Equipment: mixing bowl, pan or wok

Enjoy your delicious Mar Far Chicken!

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with another type of protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with another type of protein such as pork, tofu, or shrimp. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of protein you use.

How do I make Mar Far Chicken gluten-free?

To make Mar Far Chicken gluten-free, you can substitute the regular soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent instead of regular flour.

What wine pairs well with Mar Far Chicken?

Mar Far Chicken pairs well with a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. These wines have fruity and floral notes that complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish.

Is Mar Far Chicken spicy?

Mar Far Chicken is typically not a spicy dish. However, some variations may include chili peppers or other spices that add a little heat to the sauce. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add more chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I make Mar Far Chicken without meat?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Mar Far Chicken by substituting the chicken with tofu or seitan. Simply prepare the tofu or seitan in the same way you would the chicken, and add it to the pan with the vegetables and sauce. You can also add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to make the dish more filling.

Conclusion

After all, Mar Far Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved for its crispy, savory flavor and saucy texture. This dish is not only delicious but can also offer several health benefits if prepared with fresh, lean ingredients and cooked using healthy methods. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, Mar Far Chicken is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty, healthy meal!