Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish known for its spicy and savory flavors, combining tender chicken pieces with crunchy peanuts and a bold sauce. This dish is beloved worldwide for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements, making it a staple in Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 and a half tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup of water or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup of soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons of hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
For the Stir Fry:
- 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, divided for use
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, minced (or 2 teaspoons of ground ginger)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into small pieces
- 8 dried chilies, halved
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ¾ cup of roasted and unsalted peanuts
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Mix soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. Coat the chicken cubes in this marinade and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
Combine water or chicken broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until browned and fully cooked, then set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir-Frying the Vegetables and Nuts
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and cook the bell peppers and dried chilies for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
Step 5:
Introduce the peanuts to the skillet, followed by the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 6: Combining Everything
Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the cooked chicken and green onions, and stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce and heated through. Drizzle with sesame oil if using.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kung Pao Chicken over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, accompany it with stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.
Tips
- Adjust the number of dried chilies to suit your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into even pieces to cook uniformly.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Prep Time
- 20 minutes (including marinating time)
Cooking Time
- 20 minutes
Total Time
- 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 1000-1200 mg per serving
Conclusion
Kung Pao Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the depth of Chinese cuisine. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a beloved choice for anyone who enjoys a good balance of sweet, savory, and spicy in their meal. This recipe provides a straightforward way to create a delicious, restaurant-style Kung Pao Chicken at home.
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