Kung Pao Chicken: A Fiery & Flavorful Stir-Fry

Kung Pao Chicken A Fiery Flavorful Stir Fry

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine (Shaoxing wine preferred)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground white pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Chinkiang vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, peeled and minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dried red chilies, cut in half (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and diced
• 4 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground (optional but recommended)

Instructions:

• Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken with marinade ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
• Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
• Prep the Ingredients: Dice bell pepper, mince garlic and ginger, chop scallions, and measure out peanuts and chilies.
• Stir Fry the Chicken: Heat wok over high heat until smoking hot. Add oil and stir fry chicken until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from wok and set aside.
• Sauté Aromatics: Add more oil to the wok. Add ginger, garlic, and dried chilies. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Add Bell Pepper: Add bell pepper and cook until slightly softened (about 2 minutes).
• Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
• Finish and Serve: Stir in peanuts, scallions, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using). Toss well to combine. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	450 calories
Fat	25g
Fiber	0g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Chinese

Kung Pao Chicken: A Fiery & Flavorful Stir Fry

Fancy ditching the usual takeaway tonight? ever wondered how to make chinese food recipes that actually taste like proper restaurant food? well, grab your wok, mate! we're diving into a classic: kung pao chicken .

This isn't your average bland stir fry; it’s a flavor bomb.

What is Kung Pao Chicken?

This beauty hails from the sichuan province of china. known for its bold and spicy dishes, sichuan cuisine recipes are proper flavour sensations.

This recipe is a medium difficulty, taking about 35 minutes to make. the recipe will give you 4 good sized servings.

Why This Kung Pao Rocks

Honestly, the best thing about this kung pao chicken recipe is the balance. you get the heat from the chilies, sweetness from the sugar, sourness from the vinegar.

What makes this a great recipe is how fast it is to make, while giving a feeling of sophistication. it’s perfect for a mid-week dinner or a weekend feast! it brings a delightful dance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

Right then, let's have a look at what you'll need to create one of the best Homemade Chinese Food Recipes ever!

Kung Pao Kick Off: What You'll Need

Alright, so you wanna dive into the world of Chinese food recipes and whip up some Kung Pao Chicken ? Awesome! First, let's gather our troops. I can almost smell it!.

Main Ingredients: Kung Pao Powerhouse

Let's talk ingredients. We want the good stuff. This authentic Chinese recipes deserve it. No cutting corners here, folks.

• Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Get the good ones! Look for chicken that is pink and plump, not pale or slimy.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine. Shaoxing is best, honestly.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground white pepper.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil.
• Kung Pao Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Chinkiang vinegar. Balsamic works in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hoisin sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch.
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil.
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth.
• Stir Fry Must Haves:
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil.
  • 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, peeled and minced. Fresh is key! Look for firm ginger.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced. Again, fresh! The aroma should be strong.
  • 1/2 cup dried red chilies, cut in half. Adjust this to your spicy Chinese recipes tolerance.
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts.
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and diced.
  • 4 scallions, chopped.
  • 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns. Seriously, don’t skip these if you want Sichuan cuisine recipes !

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Fireworks

Spices make the dish, yeah?. for that killer stir fry recipes chinese , sichuan peppercorns are a must. toast them for extra oomph!.

If you are looking at easy chinese dinner recipes , skip the peppercorns for a less authentic but still tasty version.

Equipment Needed: Wok This Way

Listen, the only way to make proper Chinese Cooking is a wok. But, let’s be real.

• Wok (or large skillet).
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.
• Small bowls for mise en place.

You can absolutely use a large skillet. I've done it a million times. Don't let the lack of a wok stop you from diving into these delicious homemade Chinese food recipes .

Honestly, getting all your ingredients prepped is half the battle. it helps me not panic while cooking. this asian cooking is fast! and now we get to turn that pile of ingredients into a kung pao chicken recipe .

Kung Pao Chicken: A Fiery Stir Fry That'll Blow Your Mind

Honestly, who doesn't love chinese food recipes ? but let's ditch the dodgy takeaways tonight. we're making kung pao chicken.

This isn't just any stir fry recipes chinese . this is amazing . seriously, get ready for a flavor explosion. did you know that over 70% of people prefer homemade meals to restaurant takeout? let's get started.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Chinese Cooking

First things first, mise en place , darling. get everything chopped, measured, and ready. it makes all the difference when that wok is screaming hot.

We are talking bell peppers diced, garlic and ginger minced. trust me, prepped is best. if you are looking for easy chinese dinner recipes , organization is key.

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Action

Here’s how we rock this authentic chinese recipes :

1. Marinate chicken: Combine chicken, soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, white pepper, and oil. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Whisk together the sauce: Soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and chicken broth in a bowl.
3. Get the aromatics ready: Dice bell pepper, mince garlic and ginger, chop scallions, measure out peanuts and chilies.
4. Stir fry the Chicken: Heat wok over high heat. Add oil and stir fry chicken until cooked and lightly browned. Remove chicken from wok.
5. Sauté Aromatics: Add ginger, garlic, and dried chilies. Sauté until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds .
6. Add Bell Pepper: Cook until slightly softened, for about 2 minutes .
7. Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to wok, pour in sauce, simmer until thick.
8. Finish: Stir in peanuts, scallions, and Sichuan peppercorns, if using, and serve.

Kung Pao Chicken: Pro Tips for the Win

Want to take your Kung Pao Chicken to the next level? Here are some tips:

• Don't crowd the wok . Cook in batches if needed to keep the heat up.
• If you want it spicy chinese recipes , don't be shy with the chilies!
• Can you prepare Kung Pao sauce in advance? Yes, and I always do to save time .

And, just like that, you're on your way to becoming a homemade chinese food recipes master! Enjoy your Sichuan cuisine recipes !

Recipe Notes for Your Kung Pao Kick

Right, so you're about to dive into this cracking kung pao chicken recipe. before you do, a few extra bits and bobs that will help you smash it.

We're talking serving tips, storage know how, and ways to make this authentic chinese recipes your own. trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference.

I've learned a few things from trial and error, so you don't have to.

Plating Up Perfection: Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation matters! for this easy chinese dinner recipes , i like to keep it simple but effective. a mound of fluffy jasmine rice is essential.

Then, artfully arrange the kung pao chicken recipe alongside. a sprinkle of extra chopped scallions and peanuts gives it that final flourish.

If you're feeling fancy, add a side of stir fried green beans. and to wash it all down? a chilled bottle of tsingtao always hits the spot.

It pairs beautifully with spicy chinese recipes . plus, you know, a bit of beer never hurts.

Store It Like a Pro: Storage Tips

Got leftovers? lucky you! this homemade chinese food recipes tastes even better the next day. store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freezing is an option. just pop it into a freezer safe container. it'll keep for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then microwave or stir fry until heated through. just remember the sauce might be slightly different after freezing.

Tweak It Your Way: Variations

Fancy a change? no worries! you can easily adapt this recipe. for a veggie option, swap the chicken for tofu.

Press the tofu first to remove excess water, then cube it and fry until golden. if you want to cut down on carbs, serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

If you want to adjust the spicy level, you can add less dried chilies or remove the seeds of the chilies.

It's chinese cooking , so there is always a way to adjust it to your taste

Bits of Health: Nutrition Basics

Each serving of this gorgeousness clocks in at roughly 450 calories, 35g protein, 25g fat, and 20g carbs. of course, that's just an estimate.

The protein will help you recover from the gym and you'll stay full for longer.

Now, go get your stir fry recipes chinese game on! trust me, you've got this! it will be a great intro to sichuan cuisine recipes and asian cooking for you and your friends.

You'll be whipping up amazing dishes in no time.