Kung Pao Chicken: A Spicy Chinese Stir-Fried Delight with Peanuts and Vegetables

Kung Pao Chicken: A Spicy Chinese Stir-Fried Delight with Peanuts and Vegetables

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that delivers a tantalizing blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors. This stir-fry features tender chunks of chicken, crunchy peanuts, and colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a bold and slightly tangy sauce. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their meal and is quick enough to prepare on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 3 green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
– 10-15 dried red chilies (adjust based on heat preference)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
– Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:
1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water until well combined. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

4. Sauté the aromatics: In the same wok, add the garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

5. Add the vegetables: Add the red and green bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

6. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the wok along with the chopped green onions and peanuts. Stir well to combine.

7. Incorporate the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

8. Finish the dish: If using, drizzle the sesame oil over the dish and give it a final stir.

9. Serve: Serve the Kung Pao Chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice.

Enjoy this flavorful and spicy Kung Pao Chicken that brings a touch of authentic Chinese cuisine to your table!