Kung Pao Chicken

2013-01-26
  • Servings : 3-4
  • Prep Time : 10m
  • Cook Time : 10m
  • Ready In : 60m

Kung Pao (sometimes known as Gong Bao) Chicken is a very spicy dish originating from the Sichuan region of China. It is apparently named after a Qing dynasty official. The addition of peanuts and peppers give it a very distinctive taste and it is a great favourite  in India and the Western world. While originally made with Sichuan peppers, this is a milder version, which can be enjoyed by the smaller kids as well.

The key to cooking good Chinese food is prepped ingredients, a hot wok and, as my  friend — the lovely Yen — very aptly says, a pair of quick hands. When these three combine, the food has to be heavenly.

Bon Appetit.   好吃

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast, boneless- 200 gm
  • Oil- 3-4 tbsp
  • Ginger, sliced- 1/2 inch ( 5-6 slices)
  • Dry red chilli, 2-3
  • Garlic, thinly sliced- 2
  • Shaoxing wine- ( Optional white or Rice wine)- 1 tbsp
  • Spring Onion whites, sliced- 3
  • Peanuts- 2 tbsp
  • FOR THE MARINADE:
  • Dark Soy Sauce- 1 tsp
  • Shaoxing Wine- ( Optional white or Rice wine)- 1 tbsp
  • Corn Flour- 1 tsp
  • Egg white , beaten- 1
  • FOR THE SAUCE
  • Dark Soy Sauce- 1 tsp
  • Light Soy Sauce- 2 tsp
  • Sugar- 2 tsp
  • White wine vinegar- 2 tsp
  • Stock- 90 ml
  • Cornflour - 1 tbsp ( mixed with 1 tbsp cold water for thickening )
  • Chilli oil- 1 tsp

Method

Step 1

Cut the chicken into thin strips and then into 1 cm cubes.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix the ingredients for marinade with the chicken. Mix well and marinate for 15-30 minutes.

Step 3

In another bowl, mix together the ingredients for the sauce.

Step 4

Heat a wok with oil until the oil is smoking hot.

Step 5

Add the dried chilli, stir briefly and quickly add in the ginger and garlic.

Step 6

Add the chicken. Toss for about 1 minute.

Step 7

Add the wine from the side of the hot wok to avoid unpleasant splashes. Keep stirring constantly. Shaoxing wine is a wonderful wine, that somehow gets rid of the raw smell of meat and gives it a lovely taste.

Step 8

Add the spring onions. Stir for 30 seconds. By this time, the chicken should've almost cooked.

Step 9

Add the sauce and keep stirring till the sauce is thick.

Step 10

Add the peanuts. Mix well and serve hot.

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