20-min meal recipe
When a craving for bold Chinese flavors strikes, nothing strikes quite like fiery yet balanced Kung Pao chicken. With tender chicken, crunchy peanuts and vegetables in a signature sweet-spicy sauce, it truly packs an explosive taste experience. I’m sharing my simple recipe for recreating this iconic Sichuan dish at home that captures its essence with minimal fuss, so you too can experience the lip-tingling bliss of one of China’s most popular exports right in your own kitchen.
Servings: 2 people
Ingredients
- 250g chicken breast, diced
- 50g peanuts
- 20g dried red chili peppers
- 10g ginger, minced
- 5g garlic, minced
- 20g green onions, chopped
Sauce
- 20g soy sauce
- 15g vinegar
- 10g sugar
- 5g cornstarch
Now, let’s proceed to the steps:
- Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok.
- Add the diced chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through.
- Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the dried red chili peppers, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry them briefly until fragrant.
- Add the green onions, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to the pan. Mix everything together and stir-fry for a couple more minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Finally, add the unsalted peanuts to the wok and stir-fry for an additional minute until they are heated through.
FAQs:
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a variation in flavors and textures.
What can I serve with Kung Pao Chicken?
Kung Pao Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even a side of stir-fried vegetables. The combination of the spicy chicken and the accompanying side dishes creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
