BOO Shu Chicken (I had to, it’s almost Halloween) With Plum Sauce and Pancakes
October 14, 2011 at 12:07 pm | Posted in Asian, Daring Cooks, Dinner, Fruit, Lunch, Poultry, Vegetables | 57 CommentsTags: Cabbage, Carrots, Chicken, garlic, Ginger, Moo-Shu Chicken, Pancakes, Plum sauce, Plums, Soy Sauce
First let me start by saying, this is now my 4th post in two weeks. Still feels odd. I’m completely exhausted. No idea how some cook/bake, photograph, write and post every.single.day. I have a newfound respect for them – I kiss the ground they walk on.
So here’s what happened. Remember I told you all how sick I was in my last post? Well, better now, but still a bit woozy. At least I have my appetite back, though. I want to thank everyone for the ‘feel better’ wishes. SO, during the past month a lot has been going on, and even though I knew what the Daring Cooks challenge was, I hadn’t checked the thread. I was going to skip it once I got sick, but then I saw who was hosting.
The October Daring Cooks’ Challenge was hosted by Shelley of C Mom Cook and her sister Ruth of The Crafts of Mommyhood. They challenged us to bring a taste of the East into our home kitchens by making our own Moo Shu, including thin pancakes, stir fry and sauce.
There was no way I could miss their challenge. I’ve known them for some time and really like them! They’re both enthusiastic, talented, sweet gals. A lot alike in fact. Now I know why, they’re sisters, but not just sisters, twins! I had no idea..well, I think I had no idea, since my brain has been in a fog on and off the past year or so. Regardless, I found that info pretty cool. I always got kind of a ’connected’ vibe from them.
Ok, so I find out they’re hosting like 30 hours ago. I was going to pull this out no matter what, and I did. I made the pancakes immediately after I found out, the moo shu chicken yesterday afternoon, and the gorgeous plum sauce you see, last night, right before our moo shu dinner. Then, of course, photos..post processing..writing this post, which I’m doing this very moment, the 14th, at 9:35am.
Spread the sesame oil all over each flattened dough ball before you press them together - don’t just drizzle it on like you see in the photo. I was sick and rushing photos, so I actually forgot.
Phew, made it..and it was amazing – BUT, I didn’t completely make the moo shu chicken. You see, I’m still kind of weak and woozy, so I called my Dad yesterday afternoon to pick up the ingredients for the plum sauce ( I got the idea from Suz of Serenely Full..and hers is so beautiful, I had I try it) and moo shu chicken, for me. When he came by with the stuff, I was feeling lethargic and queasy again. WE decided I would chop, dice and measure everything at the table, and he would stand at the stove and cook it as I called out directions. I was the coxswain of my kitchen.
Truth is, I didn’t have to say much because he’s a really good cook and knows what to do..especially when it comes to stir-fry. Plus, the Wok I own he bought on one of our trips to Chinatown when I was a kidlet, so it was sort of kismet. This is why I don’t have stir-fry photos – I wasn’t about to ask him to carry the Wok over, mid-cooking, to my little Lowel Ego Light nook. Look at the beautiful moo shu chicken he turned out. I swear, mine never would have looked that good. Thank you, Dad!
Quick little yarn about moo shu pancakes. I learned to make these when I was in college. My roommate received a Chinese cookbook over the holidays our sophomore year, and it was the first thing I tried. I was obsessed. I think I made them twice a week for a month or so. I loved that it was a quick easy dough that you cut into pieces, then sandwich those pieces together with sesame oil and roll the two together into one big pancake. Into a hot, dry pan, and within minutes, you could pull them apart. Voila, two pancakes in one! Loved the ‘magic’ of it.
I was super annoying.
“You’re making hamburgers? Forget the buns..we’ll wrap them in moo shu pancakes!”
“Lasagna tonight? I’ll bet nobody has ever wrapped lasagna in moo shu pancakes!”
..and so on and so forth. I know everyone was happy when it finally wore off. BUT, here we are again – history may repeat itself..until this..
My first two (well, really 4) pancakes ended up like this. Then the planets aligned, and I was back on moo shu’s good side. All was right in the world again.
I halved the recipe – so in the end we had 8 pancakes. That was more than enough, so no whining today.
Finally, can we talk about the amazing plum sauce you see above? Oh, how I wish I had natural light for photos that really show off how gorgeous it is. It’s absolutely delicious too! Like I mentioned above, I got the idea from Suz, but her recipe was metric..and I avoid metrics like the plague. I searched online..and found loads of recipes for it. I ended up compiling a bunch of those recipes into one, then adding my own tweaks upon cooking and tasting. You should do the same if you end up making this..in fact, I strongly recommend you do. Although I love my take on it, you never know..you may think it needs more savory than sweet, or vice versa, more spice etc. Regardless, you will get that gorgeous shade of magenta.
A friend just asked me if I used scissors on the scallions, like you do with ribbon, to make the curls in my scallion brushes. Ummmm, errr..no. Here’s how you make scallion brushes to use to brush the sauce on the pancake.
Loved this challenge, and I’m so glad I managed to knock it out in such a short time. Thanks Shelley and Ruth! To see all the other moo shu creations by many other Daring Cooks, click on the links to their blogs, HERE. To get the challenge recipes for moo shu pork, hoisin sauce, etc, click HERE.
Thin (Mandarin) Pancakes
Recipe from The Chinese Kitchen
Makes 24-30 pancakes
Preparation time: about 10 minutes plus 30 minutes’ standing time
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
4 cups all purpose flour
About 1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Dry flour for dusting
DIRECTIONS:
1.Sift the flour into a mixing bowl. Gently pour in the water, stirring as you pour, then stir in the oil. Knead the mixture into a soft but firm dough. If your dough is dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach the right consistency. Cover with a damp towel and let stand for about 30 minutes.
2.Lightly dust the surface of a worktop with dry flour. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes or until smooth, then divide into 3 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a long sausage and cut each sausage into 8-10 pieces. Keep the dough that you are not actively working with covered with a lightly damp dish cloth to keep it from drying out.
3.Roll each piece into a ball, then, using the palm of your hand, press each piece into a flat pancake. Dust the worktop with more dry flour. Flatten each pancake into a 6 to 8 inch (15 cm to 20 cm) circle with a rolling pin, rolling gently on both sides.
4.Place an un-greased frying pan over high heat. Once the pan is hot, lower the heat to low and place the pancakes, one at a time, in the pan. Remove when little light-brown spots appear on the underside. Cover with a damp cloth until ready to serve.
Alternate method for preparing the pancakes (the one I used):
Once the dough has rested and been kneaded again, divide it into an even number of small pieces, rolling each into a ball. Working with two balls of dough at a time, dip the bottom of one ball lightly into sesame oil (Lisa Note: I pushed each ball flat, and painted one side of both with sesame oil before pressing together – makes them come apart easier once cooked) and press it onto the top of the second ball. Press the double layer flat, then roll the doubled pancake layers into 6 to 8 inch circles. In a dry pan, cook on each side until dry and lightly blistered (but without browning). Separate pancakes after cooking.
Amazingly Gorgeous and Delicious Plum Sauce
1 3/4 to 2 lbs pounds plums
1 to 2 tablespoons honey
1 to 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons minced shallot or red onion
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon red chili paste, or more if you like it spicy hot
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 whole star anise (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Split the plums, pit them, then cut each half vertically down the center. Cut each side of each split half into two or three pieces, or just hold split half together and cut into two or three pieces (the most logical choice lol)
2. Place the chopped plums, plus all the rest of the ingredients, in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring. then reduce the heat and simmer until the plums are soft, stirring occasionally, about 15 -20 minutes. Taste as it cooks, add to it, play with it, until the taste is to your liking. Remove star anise, if using.
3. Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor. If the sauce is too thin for your liking, cook over low heat with a little cornstarch and water (a slurry) until thickened. Too thick, slowly add water until it reaches your desired consistency. Makes about 4 cups.
Note: I used the challenge recipe for my moo shu stir-fry, linked to the challenge recipes above, except I eliminated the wood ear mushrooms and used a mix of wild mushrooms. I also substituted chicken for the pork, and added bean sprouts and shredded carrots.
Until next time, which could be another 3 or 4 days, instead of the usual two weeks, at the rate I’m going!
Update: I just found out, via foodieblogroll, about Team Continuum’s “Team CAN Challenge” event being held October 22, 2011 in NYC. You can register and/or donate, plus find out more about the charity, HERE. Team Continuum is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families minimize the disruptions and difficulties of life so that they can focus solely on crucial and much needed medical care. This is a cause that’s near and dear to my heart, having experienced it within my immediate family. This sponsorship is brought to you by Team Continuum who I have partnered with for this promotion
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Your plum sauce looks fantastic! I can’t wait for the recipe, I will have to try it myself. I love the smiling moo shu plate too!
Comment by Jo— October 14, 2011 #
I’m starting to think you’re superwoman. Glad you are feeling better. And this dish looks phenomenal, especially that plum sauce!
Comment by Megan— October 14, 2011 #
I am touched that you participated despite the sickies that are plaguing you. You are wonderful
And it sounds like your dad is, too! How great that he came and helped. Your (plural!) Moo Shu looks absolutely fantastic. And I’m glad I could rekindle the Moo Shu Pancake craze of yester-year 
I hope you are feeling much better by the time you read the comments. As always, you are amazing and I love that you cooked with us this month!! <3
Comment by Shelley C— October 14, 2011 #
It’s funny you mention always getting that connected vibe from Shelley and Ruth. Me too! Though, like you, I had no idea they were related. How funny!
Coooool, you made plum sauce too.
I’ll have to give your recipe a go. The colour totally did it for me as well. Absolutely beautiful, and your plum swirls are stunning! Actually, the whole plate is a work of art.
Glad you’re feeling a bit better. I hope the wooziness passes soon. You and your dad make a good team! I dread to think what would happen if I tried something similar with mine. Unless he was cooking steak. He does a mean steak.
Comment by Suz— October 14, 2011 #
What a scrumptious dish! I like everything about it. I am particularly drawn to the plum sauce.
Cheers,
Rosa
Comment by Rosa May (@RosasYummyYums)— October 14, 2011 #
Wow, your Moo Shu looks delicious. I love your food styling and photos!
Comment by The Garlic Press— October 14, 2011 #
Love your last smile picture. The recipe sounds great with the plumsauce.
Comment by Anja janssen— October 14, 2011 #
Wow, that looks so deliciously inviting.
Comment by mybigthirty— October 14, 2011 #
You deserve a huge WOW for this one!!!
Comment by Linda— October 14, 2011 #
Glad you are feeling better
and I do hope you will be perfectly well soon
I too always felt a connected vibe to Shelley and Ruth even though I am still somewhat new at the daring kitchen but I never knew they were twins! that was cool to know
As always, you pictues, plating, styling is breathtaking..
Comment by thefooddoctor— October 14, 2011 #
Plum sauce?! That sounds amazing!! Will there be leftovers if I come over?
Your pancakes look awesome, too – like, actual pancakes! Mine turned out more like little weird shaped fry bread. Haha. And yay for you Dad! I love cooking with mine! 
Comment by Jenni— October 14, 2011 #
Your plum sauce is stunning, as well as your photos. I so need to make some myself.}:P
Your dad maskes a great sous chef, even if you didn’t actually cook anything, lol.
Comment by Wolf— October 14, 2011 #
Yum, that plum sauce looks delish, and love the last picture. Impressive that your Dad cooked, how nice of him
. I can’t believe you did all this in one short time great job. xoxox Suz~the other one 
Comment by Suzanne— October 14, 2011 #
Gorgeous plum sauce! And your pancakes are amazing, next time I will try making them that way. Now we know where you got your cooking skills…the stirfry your dad cooked looks so good! Great job, I hope you are much better now
Comment by chef_d— October 14, 2011 #
Glad to hear you’re doing much better and by looking at your photos one could hardly tell you’ve been sick! when did you have time to make all these deliciousness in less than 30 hours? You totally rock girl!
Comment by Roxana GreenGirl— October 14, 2011 #
Your moo shu looks amaing, I love the sause! I’ll have to try it.
Comment by AnnaB— October 14, 2011 #
Oh, it must have been so much fun to cook with your dad! You both sure make a great team
The sauce looks so delicious indeed! I made a scallion brush to garnish my Moo Shu, but forgot about it completely, and only found it at the time I was putting the empty (used) plates in the sink :/ Fantastic work on the challenge, and always fun to read post. Great to know you’re feeling better now 
Comment by Renata— October 14, 2011 #
You are amazing! I knew your desserts were incredible, but this savoury dish looks delicious too. Love the look of that plum sauce
Comment by thelittleloaf— October 15, 2011 #
You’ve done so well and in such short time too! Applause! I mean it could not have been ofcourse that I finally manage to do a challenge and you then end up not, that would have just been impossible.. I totally totally love that plumsauce and I wish I had made something like that instead of the too salty hoisin.
But double applause for doing this while still feeling sick! Hurray for you! And it looks fabulous too (ofcourse having an extra cook in the kitchen helps..:)) Glad you made it!
Comment by Simone— October 15, 2011 #
Your photos are beautiful! Great job.
Comment by andy— October 15, 2011 #
Oh, I’m so glad you recovered in time to make and share these beauties with us! And you made your own plum sauce??? WOW! How I would love this on my dinner table tonight
Have a great weekend!!
Comment by Liz— October 15, 2011 #
this looks absolutely delicious! i’ve never had this dish, but now it’s definitely on my menu this week! thanks!
Comment by Bourbonnatrix— October 15, 2011 #
Appreciate your efforts in getting this done. And thanks for the plum sauce recipe. YUUMMMYY! Hope you fully recover soon!
Comment by Jo Ann— October 15, 2011 #
Wow! Your Moo Shu is beautiful! After looking at your pictures, my gf version would never have wrapped as beautifully without falling apart. You are an amazing photographer! Love the colors.
Comment by Heather @Gluten-Free Cat— October 15, 2011 #
How great that your dad came over and cooked for you. Love the way you styled the Moo Shu. Hope you’re feeling all better soon!
Comment by Barbara Schieving— October 15, 2011 #
Wow! you pulled out this chalenge just in one day?! amazing. Of course, I’d also do that for Shelley and Ruth too – interesting how we get so close to these virtual friends.
Fantastic job with the challenge. How nice that you and your father could team up on it! The photos are so inviting – I could just reach through the screen adn take a bite!
Comment by Mokeyshines— October 15, 2011 #
The colour of your plum sauce is beautiful, and the wrapped pancake cut in too is so neat and precise! Mine tasted good by looked a bit of a dogs dinner in comparison! Brilliant
Comment by Makey-Cakey— October 15, 2011 #
Your plum sauce looks so appetizing & is easy to make too! a real winner! beautiful pictures too, Lisa-Michele!
Comment by Sophie33— October 15, 2011 #
Wow you made your own plum sauce and pancakes! Bravo to you!
I can see how gorgeous it is-you are being modest! 
And I would be exhausted after making this too! 
Comment by Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella— October 16, 2011 #
Glad you’re on the mend.
That is what I want for dinner.
Fabulous as always.
Comment by Katrina— October 16, 2011 #
I’ve just discovered your blog… you have awesome, professional looking photos, wow! And I love Moo Shu but have never tried to make it!
Comment by Just A Smidgen— October 16, 2011 #
these are so awesome! The blog is looking spiffy. Love the photos and everything.
Comment by Kimberly(unrivaledkitch)— October 16, 2011 #
Wow! I love your plating and that plum sauce is divine. I’ve never made it before and will surely make it soon. Thanks for the recipe.
BTW, I’m sorry for being forgetful (my age is showing, heheh). Thank you so much. The book is fantastic. I’ve made a few of the recipes but haven’t blogged about them yet.:)
Comment by Oggi— October 16, 2011 #
Awesome, Oggi! Looking foward to seeing them – I just know your version will be mind-blowing!
Comment by Lisa— October 17, 2011 #
You and your Dad did a wonderful job and glad that you have your appetite back so that you were able to enjoy what you made. Another fabulous looking post. Hope that you’re back 100% now.
Comment by Lisa~~— October 17, 2011 #
Girl, you’re amazing.
Cooking up a storm when you feel so dreadful. It looks fantastic, and bless your Dad for helping you out. 
Comment by Krista— October 17, 2011 #
Yes, blogging is hard work! hehe. I love how this dish looks. It’s always good to bring the flavors of the east to our kitchens
Comment by arimou0— October 17, 2011 #
Your dad did an awesome job! I can see where you get your talent.
Great photos, and I must try this with plum sauce next time. Hope you’re feeling 100% again.
Comment by Mary— October 17, 2011 #
I made the plum sauce today for homemade egg rolls. I didn’t have enough plums so I added in one apple, skin on. So delicious and pretty! Can I freeze the leftover? I have about 2 cups left.
Comment by Dinavia— October 17, 2011 #
An apple added sounds great! Will have to ty that! Yes, you absolutely can freeze it. Put it in a tupperware (freezer safe) or plastic container, then place the container in a freezer bag
I’d say 6 months maximum.
Comment by Lisa— October 17, 2011 #
If there were not enough reasons to redo this recipe – at least one of which being it was almost eaten out of the pan – your sauce definitely is one more! Looks just gorgeous and I have to try it while the plums last.
Comment by Irina— October 17, 2011 #
Wow Lisa, you are amazing…homemade pancakes, homemade plum sauce…they look amazingly delicious. Love the pictures as always.
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead and thanks for this delicious recipe
Comment by Juliana— October 17, 2011 #
I have to try making moo shu pancakes! This looks like fun, and that sauce looks amazing. What a great challenge.
Hope you’re feeling back to 100% soon!
Comment by lisaiscooking— October 17, 2011 #
So glad to read that you’re getting heathier by the minute. Yes, how do bloggers post so often? Thank goodness I don’t feel inclined to do the same…things around here would truly fall apart. LOL
I loved your twist in this challenge and of course the accompanying sense of humour…imagine if you’d be in full health…watch out, that would be dangerous. LOL
Keep yourself well and take it easier this week ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Comment by FOODESSA— October 18, 2011 #
Oh now I get it! Now I see why you are such an amazing cook! Your dad! They always talk about Jewish mothers but you gotta love the Jewish dads! Your pancakes and sauce are gorgeous and yum yum I always loved this… haven’t had it for years. Terrific! I cannot wait for the day that I come and spend a couple weeks at your house; how well I am going to eat! I am glad you are feeling better, babes, but woozy is still not perfect… xoxo sending hugs!
Comment by Jamie— October 19, 2011 #
So glad you are feeling better…and better enough to make these yummies! I love the flavour combination…mmmmmmmmmmm
Comment by Deeba Rajpal (@vindee)— October 21, 2011 #
Everything looks amazing! And dads can be awesome for sure,always ready help out their little girls….although mine is useless in the kitchen. The plum sauce looks so beautiful too. I hope you will fell100% soon! Oh I thought of you today while I was shopping when I saw a high quality leather purse shaped, in a classy way,like a baseball lol. I am so behind in my comments.
Comment by Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz— October 21, 2011 #
Gosh, I don’t think I’ve ever had plum sauce that didn’t come out of a packet. That must be as phenomenal as it looks! Love the way you plated this (especially the smiley!) and that your dad stepped in to help his sick daughter.
Excellent job! (I didn’t know the hosts were twins…fun!)
Comment by Jessica— October 22, 2011 #
I’m glad you are feeling better!! These look absolutely amazing. I love moo shu chicken and have never thought to make it! I will now. That is so sweet of your dad to help
Comment by Katherine Martinelli— October 22, 2011 #
I made your plum sauce last night and oh my gosh, we wanted to lick the bowl we put it in to dip eggrolls.. clean!! I only made half the recipe, next time i’m making all of it! Thank you for such a great recipe!!
Comment by Cheryl— October 22, 2011 #
You’re so welcome, Cheryl! Really glad you loved it!
Comment by Lisa— October 22, 2011 #
Well nothing like having daddy help you out. My dad cooks great Chinese food as well. Would love to have that plum sauce…. looks like it would go well with many things. Great photos too!
Comment by Dan— October 23, 2011 #
How lovely, what an exotic chicken dish, I can’t say that I’ve ever seen anything like it before. Another masterpiece daaaaahling. When are you going to invite me over for dinner alreadY????
*kisses* HH
Comment by heavenlyhousewife— October 24, 2011 #
That plum sauce looks so luscious, I went and made the recipe! Sooo good! Thank you! (I served it over turkey).
Comment by pragmaticattic— October 24, 2011 #
I’m bookmarking this as it looks sooooo good.
I’m a firm believer in NOT posting everyday, but in posting when you have something really worth others time to look at. If folks subscribe/follow in Twitter, FB, RSS, whatever then they know when you’ve put something up and can come on by. The everyday targets can yield a bunch of internet noise that folks get lost in and are left uninspired. (and this post was definately worth my time to look at
Comment by Maggie— October 29, 2011 #
Looks great. Amazing plate up job.
Comment by griffinsgrub— August 21, 2012 #
I just love this plum sauce. And your pics are fab. Thanks for adding to the plummy collection. Cheers
Comment by Carole— May 10, 2013 #