Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao is a cooking technique originated from the Sichuan province of China; the authentic Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁) or Gong Bao Ji Ding calls for the staple Sichuan peppercorn for the numbing flavor, however, the version popular outside of Sichuan has since been adapted to many regional variations.

Good for serving: 2 - 4 persons

Ingredients:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 
  • 7 to 8 ounces each Marinade: 
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce 
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry 
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil 
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch Sauce: 
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce 
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry 
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Other: 
  • 8 small dried red chili peppers 
  • 2 cloves garlic 
  • 2 green onions (spring onions, scallions) 
  • 4 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed 
  • 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorn, optional 
  • 1/2 cup peanuts or cashews 
  • a few drops sesame oil, optional
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Kung Pao Chicken Cooking Instruction:

  1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Combine with the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last. Marinate the chicken for 25 minutes. 
  2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables: In a small bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Set aside. 
  3. Cut the chilies in half so that they are approximately the same size as the chicken cubes. Remove the seeds. Peel and finely chop the garlic. Cut the green onion on the diagonal into thirds. 
  4. Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Stir-fry until it turns white and is 80 percent cooked. Remove from the wok. 
  5. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Add the chili peppers and the Szechuan peppercorn if using. Stir-fry briefly until they turn dark red. 
  6. Add the sauce to the wok. Bring to a boil. Add the chicken back into the pan. Stir in the peanuts and the green onion. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve hot.

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