Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese restaurant dish made with fried chicken, peanuts and vegetables. It is traditionally made with special ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorns, Chinese black vinegar, Chinese rice wine and dried whole red pepper. This Americanized version replaces hard-to-find ingredients with local supermarket staples. It has the same spicy, sweet and sour appeal as traditional Kung Pao chicken and is a great weeknight dinner with rice.
Are you looking to tantalize your taste buds with a delicious and spicy Chinese dish? Look no further than Kung Pao Chicken! This popular dish combines succulent chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a fiery mix of spices to create a mouthwatering experience. In this article, we will explore the origins of Kung Pao Chicken, its unique flavor profile, and provide you with an easy recipe to recreate this Chinese classic at home.
What is Kung Pao Chicken?
Kung Pao Chicken is so popular here in the United States that it is tempting to assume it is Chinese chicken. American dish but in reality this spicy Chinese fried chicken is an authentic Sichuan dish. Preparation options vary greatly, but a version of this dish has been around since at least the late 19th century. Basically, Kung Pao chicken is a simple dish made from chicken breast, sliced and fried in “Kung Pao sauce”, seasoned mainly with soy sauce, vinegar and a little sugar.
The Origins of Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
Kung Pao Chicken, also known as Gong Bao Ji Ding, is a traditional Chinese dish with a rich history. The dish is named after Ding Baozhen, a Qing Dynasty official who enjoyed spicy food. Legend has it that his chef created Kung Pao Chicken, a dish that combined diced chicken, peanuts, and a medley of spices, to satisfy his cravings for bold flavors.
Easy Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
I've simplified this delicious Kung Pao chicken recipe to make it easier to make with everyday ingredients. While we love all the flavors of kung pao chicken, it's a pretty spicy dish. I wanted to make it at home with the same kung pao chicken flavor as the Panda Express version, but not as spicy. So I thought I could get a milder flavor by using less chili pepper. Well, the two supermarkets I shopped at only had larger dried red peppers in the Mexican supermarket section, but not small ones.
So I did more research and I discovered I could buy pepper on Amazon. I'm not sure about you, but I simply won't prepare a dish if I have to order an ingredient online. That's why I chose crushed red pepper flakes. It's easy?!
The motto of this blog is "Preparing delicious dishes with everyday ingredients", so my mission is to make most of my recipes , especially a copied recipe. . Use ingredients available at the store where you shop regularly. I won't be walking around town looking for ingredients for dinner, and I don't think the average person would want to either.
The Flavors and Ingredients of Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is known for its distinctive combination of flavors, balancing spicy, sweet, and savory notes.
1: Chicken: Tender pieces of chicken breast or thigh are commonly used in Kung Pao Chicken. The chicken is usually diced and stir-fried to perfection.
2: Peanuts: Crunchy peanuts add texture and a unique nutty flavor to the dish. They are a key ingredient in Kung Pao Chicken, providing a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
3: Chili Peppers: Known for its spiciness, chili peppers are essential to achieving the signature heat of Kung Pao Chicken. The peppers can be dried or fresh, depending on personal preference.
4: Sichuan Peppercorns: These tiny pink berries are a staple in Sichuan cuisine and impart a distinct numbing sensation to the dish. Sichuan peppercorns add complexity and depth to the flavors of Kung Pao Chicken.
5: Soy Sauce: To impart a savory umami flavor, soy sauce is used as a base for the marinade and sauce in Kung Pao Chicken.
6: Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients enhance the overall taste of Kung Pao Chicken. They are typically sautéed to release their flavors before adding the other ingredients.
7: Vegetables: Optional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can be included to add color and nutrition to the dish.
How to Prepare Kung Pao Chicken: The Recipe Method?
In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, rice wine and corn starch. Add the chicken pieces and mix. Set aside for now. You can prepare the chicken marinade in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Ideal to start in the morning and marinate until the evening. You'll have delicious flavor in 30 minutes or less.
In a medium bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar and soy sauce. hoisin. , sesame oil, honey, Sichuan pepper and pepper flakes. Set aside for now. You can also prepare the Kung Pao sauce in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Significant time saving.
Add dried and fresh chillies. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to soften. Add the chicken and sauté for 3 minutes or until chicken is almost cooked. Make sure to stir vigorously as you don't want it to overcook and burn. chicken. If you let it sit without stirring, it could burn.
