lomiloml
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Szechuan Kung Pao Chicken, and it was an exciting dish full of bold flavors and vibrant colors! This classic Chinese dish features tender chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy, tangy sauce. It’s perfect served over rice or noodles. Here’s how you can recreate this flavorful dish at home:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or Szechuan peppercorns (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili paste (or Szechuan peppercorns), sugar, and water. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together to coat well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add Peanuts and Serve:
- Stir in the unsalted peanuts, mixing well to combine. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
Conclusion
Szechuan Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that packs a flavorful punch! The combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables in a spicy sauce makes it a favorite for any night of the week. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal and enjoy the vibrant tastes of Chinese cuisine!
