Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish known for its spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It typically consists of diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-4 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the marinade:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Add the diced chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Set the sauce aside.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
5. In the same pan, add the dried red chilies, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add the diced bell peppers and onion to the pan, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the unsalted peanuts.
8. Give the sauce a quick stir and then pour it into the pan with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat evenly.
9. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
10. Remove the Kung Pao Chicken from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish.
11. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant vegetables in a spicy and savory sauce. Enjoy its bold flavors and the delightful balance of textures in each bite!