A Taste of Sichuan: How to Make Authentic Kung Pao Chicken

Today we want to share with you a special post:

Kung Pao Craze: The Ultimate Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that originated in the Sichuan province.

It is known for its bold and spicy flavors, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

Discover the Flavors of China – Shop the Best Chinese Cookbooks Today!

SaleBestseller No. 1

A Very Chinese Cookbook: 100 Recipes from China and Not China (But Still Really Chinese)

−$12.01 $22.99

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 2

The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from a Chinese American Family: A Cookbook

−$15.82 $19.18

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 3

Chinese Enough: Homestyle Recipes for Noodles, Dumplings, Stir-Fries, and More

−$8.14 $26.86

Buy on Amazon

The dish is made with tender pieces of chicken that are quickly stir-fried with peanuts, greens, and chiles, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

The dish is named after Ding Baozhen, a Qing dynasty official who served as the governor of Sichuan province.

He was also a foodie, and the dish was named after him as a tribute to his love of spicy food.

Since then, Kung Pao Chicken has become a favorite among Chinese food enthusiasts around the world and is often considered a must-try dish when visiting China.

This recipe that we share today is a traditional and authentic version of Kung Pao Chicken.

It's simple to make, yet packed with bold and delicious flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Sichuan province.

With this recipe, you'll be able to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home, to enjoy with family and friends.

Here are a few tips to help make your Kung Pao Chicken recipe perfect:

1. Use high-quality ingredients: The key to making any dish delicious is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. For this recipe, make sure to use fresh chicken breast, ripe and sweet red bell pepper, and fragrant ginger and garlic.
2. Cut the chicken in small bite-size pieces, it will cook faster and more evenly.
3. Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and a little bit of oil will help keep the chicken tender and moist during cooking.
4. Adjust the spiciness to your preference: Kung Pao Chicken is traditionally quite spicy, but you can adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your taste.
5. Use a wok or a large pan: A wok or a large pan will allow you to stir-fry the ingredients quickly and evenly, which is essential for a good Kung Pao Chicken.
6. Don't overcook the chicken, it should be cooked through but still tender.
7. Add the peanuts at the end, toasting them briefly before adding to the dish will enhance the flavor.
8. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken with steamed rice, it will help to balance the heat and savoriness of the dish.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Kung Pao Chicken that will be perfect to enjoy with your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 dried red chili peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons peanuts

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch to coat.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, and sauté the garlic, ginger, and chili peppers for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken back to the pan, along with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is evenly coated.
5. Stir in the peanuts and cook for another minute.
6. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken over steamed rice.

Note: You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less chili peppers. Also, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to this recipe.

How long can I store Kung Pao Chicken in my refrigerator?

Kung Pao Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is best to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods.

Before reheating, you can add a little bit of oil or chicken broth to keep it moist and give it a fresher taste. You can reheat it in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave.

It's always recommended to reheat the food until it reaches a safe temperature to consume, which is 165°F (74°C).

It's worth noting that it's always best to consume leftovers within the first couple of days of making them, as they will be freshest and safest to eat within this time frame.

Also, you could freeze Kung Pao Chicken for up to 3 months, but it's not recommended to freeze it due to the risk of changes in texture and the overall quality of the dish, especially when it comes to the sauce and the peanuts.

In conclusion, Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious and spicy Chinese dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients and adjust the spiciness to your preference. Remember to store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat it until it reaches a safe temperature.

If you want to see step-by-step instructions on how to make this Kung Pao Chicken recipe, feel free to check out the video tutorial.

Sizzle up your taste buds with our Kung Pao Chicken tutorial

Souce:Taste Show

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Cooking Board on Pinterest! 😊