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Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its spicy and savory flavors. It typically consists of diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables cooked in a flavorful sauce. Here's a basic recipe to make Kung Pao Chicken at home:
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Yield: 3
Cost: $5

Materials

For the Marinade:

  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2-3 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with the soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth (or water). Set this sauce aside.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until it's cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the dry roasted peanuts and stir-fry for an additional minute.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything with the sauce.
  • Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.