Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Why Kung Pao Chicken?

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that has become popular all over the world. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that will surely impress your taste buds. This dish is very easy to make at home and requires only a few ingredients. It’s a great way to try out Chinese cuisine and impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Kung Pao Chicken for 4 servings:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 4 green onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cold water
• Cooked rice for serving

How to Make Kung Pao Chicken

1. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water and set aside.
3. Cut green onions into 1-inch pieces and thinly slice garlic cloves.
4. Cut red and green bell peppers into small pieces.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Add red and green bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Add green onions and garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
9. Add roasted peanuts to the skillet and stir-fry for another 1 minute.
10. Pour in the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
11. Serve hot with cooked rice.

Variations

Here are some variations of Kung Pao Chicken that you can try:

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes or until cooked through.
• Beef: Replace chicken with beef and cook for 5-6 minutes or until cooked through.
• Spiciness: Adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less chili flakes or using a different type of chili.
• Nut-free: Omit the roasted peanuts and use sesame seeds instead.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make Kung Pao Chicken, you can easily impress your family and friends with this delicious Chinese dish. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish at home.

FAQ

What is Kung Pao Chicken?

Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy and savory Chinese dish that is made with marinated chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers.

What ingredients do I need to make Kung Pao Chicken?

To make Kung Pao Chicken, you will need chicken breast, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, dried chili peppers, peanuts, green onions, and vegetable oil.

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use other types of meat such as beef, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.

How spicy is Kung Pao Chicken?

Kung Pao Chicken is traditionally a spicy dish, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili peppers.

How do I make the chicken tender in Kung Pao Chicken?

To make the chicken tender in Kung Pao Chicken, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I make Kung Pao Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Kung Pao Chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a pan or in the microwave before serving.

What can I serve with Kung Pao Chicken?

Kung Pao Chicken can be served with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables such as broccoli or bok choy.

How do I store leftover Kung Pao Chicken?

Store leftover Kung Pao Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a pan or in the microwave before serving.

Can I make Kung Pao Chicken without peanuts?

Yes, you can make Kung Pao Chicken without peanuts or substitute them with other nuts such as cashews or almonds.

Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of dried chili peppers?

Yes, you can use fresh chili peppers instead of dried chili peppers. However, the dish may be less spicy if you use fresh chili peppers instead of dried ones.

Can I make Kung Pao Chicken vegan?

Yes, you can make Kung Pao Chicken vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or seitan and omitting the oyster sauce. Use soy sauce or tamari instead of oyster sauce for a vegan version.