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Kung Pao Chicken

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The Daring Gourmet
Updated Dec 4, 2019
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Kung Pao chicken is one of the most popular dishes throughout China and the Western world alike. Loved for its sweet and spicy flavors, we’ve got the deets on how to make authentic Kung Pao chicken right at home.

More About This Recipe

  • Ever wonder how Kung Pao chicken came to be? Let’s take a look back: once upon a time in the deep forests of China during the Qing Dynasty lived a boy named Ding Baozhen (pronounced "Ting Pao-chen"). Young Ding loved to play outside, especially down by the river. One day while playing by the bank of the river he lost his footing and fell into the river. Hearing his cry for help, a nearby family rushed to his rescue and managed to pull him to safety. They carried the unconscious boy home to his parents. Years later, Ding became the governor of Sichuan. Though now a powerful leader, Ding never forgot the about the family who saved his life and sent out a query to find them. Once they were located, Ding Baozhen paid the family a visit so he could finally thank them. Now, the province of Sichuan is known for its fine cuisine and this family, hearing of his coming visit, wanted to treat the governor to a special meal. They combined chicken and peanuts in a sweet and spicy sauce and served it to Ding Baozhen who declared it "delicious!"
  • Governor Baozhen's official title was Gong Bao, pronounced "kung-pao" (meaning “palatial guardian”), and it was after him that this dish was named. Kung Pao Chicken would go on to become one of the most beloved and popular Chinese dishes throughout China and the Western world. And the people of the world ate Kung Pao Chicken and lived happily ever after. The end.

Kung Pao Chicken

  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Total 25 min
  • Servings 4
  • Ingredients 16
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
  • 6-10 dried hot red chili peppers (or less according to heat preference), seeded and membranes removed (gloves recommended)
  • 1 1/2 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
  • 3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 bunch green onions (about 6 green onions)

For the Marinade:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or sherry
  • 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup black Chinese vinegar or dark balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the chicken pieces. Toss to coat and let the chicken sit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  • Step 
    2
    Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl, stirring until the cornstarch and sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  • Step 
    3
    Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Fry the chilies for a few seconds until they turn darker in color.
  • Step 
    4
    Add the chicken and marinade and fry until no longer pink. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions and fry for two minutes. Add the sauce and stir until thickened. Reduce the heat to medium-high and stir in the peanuts. Simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Nutrition

640 Calories
35g Total Fat
48g Protein
32g Total Carbohydrate
19g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
640
Calories from Fat
320
Total Fat
35g
54%
Saturated Fat
6g
30%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
105mg
35%
Sodium
1090mg
45%
Potassium
860mg
25%
Total Carbohydrate
32g
11%
Dietary Fiber
4g
17%
Sugars
19g
Protein
48g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
20%
20%
Vitamin C
80%
80%
Calcium
8%
8%
Iron
20%
20%
Exchanges:
1 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 6 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 3 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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