Craving a vibrant and flavorful explosion in your mouth? Look no further than Kung Pao Chicken, a classic Sichuan dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken with crunchy peanuts, fiery chilies, and a savory sauce that's both sweet and spicy – a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Forget complicated takeout orders and lengthy restaurant waits; this recipe delivers restaurant-quality Kung Pao Chicken with minimal fuss. We use readily available ingredients and simple techniques to achieve authentic flavors.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times. This easy Kung Pao Chicken recipe uses a simple one-pot method to create a delicious and satisfying meal in minutes. Get ready to experience the authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine without the hassle. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- wok or large pan
Ingredients
- Chicken: 700g
- Oyster sauce: 3 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Corn flour: 2 tsp
- Salt: null
- Pepper: null
- Spring onion: 1
- Onion: 2
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chilli padi: 3 pieces
- Dried chilli: 20 pieces
- Ginger: 4 slices
- Sugar: 2 tsp
- Citronella: 1 tsp
- Dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Chinese cooking wine: 1 tbsp
- Sesame seed oil: 3 tbsp
- Black vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Water: 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Cook Chicken
- Marinate chicken with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and pepper for 20 minutes.
- Deep fry chicken until about 70% cooked (slightly brownish).
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Sauce Base
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add oil, ginger, chilli, and garlic and fry until fragrant.
- Add spring onion, sugar, and stir. Then, add the water mixture (from the sauce ingredients) and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 3. Combine and Season
- Add chicken back to the pan along with additional seasoning (salt, vinegar, sesame seed oil, Chinese cooking wine).
Step 4. Simmer and Thicken
- Stir and simmer until sauce thickens.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chillies to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a darker sauce, add more soy sauce.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less chili flakes or remove some seeds for milder heat. Add more for extra spice.
2. What if I don't have peanuts?
Cashews or even sunflower seeds can be substituted for a similar crunch. However, peanuts give the most authentic flavor.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
This easy Kung Pao Chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, proving that authentic Asian cuisine can be surprisingly simple to create at home. Enjoy the delicious combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, and impress your friends and family with this satisfying dish. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!