Who knew making Kung Pao Chicken at home could be so delicious and simple? We did! Check out this post and learn a little about this delicious dishes history and a great recipe to make your own.
Kung Pao Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese dishes around the world. Originally from the Sichuan province of China, the dish has been adapted and adopted by many cultures over the years.
The history of Kung Pao Chicken dates back to the late 19th century. It was created by Ding Baozhen, a prominent governor of Sichuan province during the Qing dynasty. He was known for his love of spicy food and wanted to create a dish that was both flavorful and easy to make. He combined peanuts, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns to create a unique flavor combination. To honor the governor, the dish was named Kung Pao Chicken after his title.
Since its creation, Kung Pao Chicken has been a staple of Chinese cuisine and has been adapted by many cultures around the world. In the United States, the dish has been popularized by Chinese-American restaurants. Variations of the dish include the use of different types of peppers, vegetables, and sauces.
Nowadays, Kung Pao Chicken is a popular dish served in Chinese restaurants and home kitchens alike. And if you’re looking to make it at home, here’s a great recipe!
Kung Pao Chicken Ingredients:
-1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
-2 tablespoons cornstarch
-2 tablespoons sesame oil
-2 tablespoons sugar
-1 tablespoon chili garlic paste
-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
-1/2 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
-2 tablespoons canola oil
-1/2 cup diced bell peppers
-1/4 cup diced red onion
Kitchen Tools Needed:
-Large skillet
-Wooden spoon
-Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, chili garlic paste, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and stir to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil and garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the bell peppers and onion and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the peanuts and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the Kung Pao Chicken hot with steamed white rice or noodles.
Garnishes:
-Sliced green onions
-Chopped fresh cilantro
-Sliced jalapenos
-Sesame seeds
Cook Time: 10 minutes
With its unique and flavorful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy ingredients, Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious and easy to make dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Looking for other great Asian dishes to make at home? Check out these great recipes.