If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, you probably know and love Kung Pao chicken. This spicy and savory dish has become a staple of menus at Chinese restaurants all around the world. But have you ever wondered if you could make this dish at home, and make it just as good as the restaurant version? The good news is, with the right recipe and techniques, you can! In this article, we’ll show you how to cook Kung Pao Chicken that rivals restaurant quality, from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds (and maybe even your dinner guests) with this classic Chinese dish!

How to Cook Kung Pao Chicken That Rivals Restaurant Quality from Your Home Kitchen

Introduction

Kung Pao Chicken, a favorite Sichuan dish, is a perfect combination of spice, crunch, and bold flavors. Loaded with marinated chicken, crispy peanuts, and a spicy, savory sauce, Kung Pao Chicken is loved by many and can be enjoyed with shrimp or vegetables over long-grain rice. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to prepare Kung Pao Chicken that will rival restaurant quality.

Ingredients

Before getting started, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients available and prepped for cooking. You will need:

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Egg white
• Shaoxing wine
• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Salt & pepper
• Unsalted peanuts
• Chicken stock
• Light brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Black vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil
• Garlic cloves
• Ginger
• Dried chiles
• Sichuan peppercorns
• Green onions

Marinating the Chicken

The key to tender chicken is all in the marinade. For Kung Pao Chicken, the chicken should be marinated with egg white, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine one egg white with one tablespoon of cornstarch.
3. Add one tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, one tablespoon of soy sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix well and add the chicken pieces.
5. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Prepping the Vegetables and Sauce

The vegetables and sauce play a key role in Kung Pao Chicken. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Slice garlic, ginger, and green onions into small pieces.
2. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, stirring constantly.
4. Add dried chiles and Sichuan peppercorns and stir for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Add unsalted peanuts and stir-fry until they turn golden brown.
6. In a separate bowl, mix chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, light brown sugar, black vinegar, and cornstarch.
7. Pour the mixture into the wok or skillet and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that the chicken is marinated and the sauce is prepared, it’s time to cook the chicken.

1. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it begins to turn golden brown.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir-fry until the chicken is coated in the sauce and fully cooked.

Serving

Serve the Kung Pao Chicken hot over long-grain rice with your choice of vegetables or shrimp.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute Sichuan peppercorns?

• Yes, you can substitute Sichuan peppercorns with ground black pepper and crushed coriander seeds.

2. Can I use mirin instead of Shaoxing wine?

• Yes, you can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or mirin.

3. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

• Yes, marinating the chicken ensures it is tender and flavorful.

4. Can I make Kung Pao Chicken with vegetables or shrimp?

• Yes, you can substitute the chicken with your choice of vegetables or shrimp.

5. Do I need to have all the ingredients prepped before cooking?

• Yes, prepping all the necessary ingredients before cooking is crucial to the recipe’s success.

Conclusion

Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious, bold, and spicy dish that is popular amongst many. With the help of our step-by-step guide, you can prepare restaurant-quality Kung Pao Chicken in the comfort of your home. Remember to prep all the necessary ingredients, marinate the chicken, and prepare the sauce and vegetables properly before cooking.