Gong Bao Jiding, commonly known as Kung Pao Chicken, is a classic dish from Sichuan cuisine, famous for its spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The dish combines tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant vegetables in a delicious sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create this iconic dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8-10 dried red chilies, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
Preparation
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely, forming a smooth sauce. Set aside.
Stir-Frying:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the chilies darken slightly and release their fragrance, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the marinated chicken to the wok. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
- In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the wok, then pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the roasted peanuts and green onions, giving everything a final toss.
Serving:
- Transfer the Gong Bao Jiding to a serving dish. It is best served hot with steamed white rice, which complements the spicy and tangy flavors of the dish.
Tips
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns to your preferred spice level. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies to reduce the heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and baby corn for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Add Extra Crunch: Consider adding water chestnuts or cashews along with the peanuts for extra texture.
Variations
- Gong Bao Shrimp: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
- Gong Bao Beef: Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken to create a hearty version.
- Mixed Vegetables: Add more vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots to increase the nutritional content and create a colorful dish.
Calorie Information
A typical serving of Gong Bao Jiding (approximately 1 cup) contains around 300-350 calories. The exact calorie count will depend on the ingredients used, especially the amount of oil and sugar in the dish. The dish is a good source of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the peanuts, though it is also relatively high in sodium due to the soy sauce.
Conclusion
Gong Bao Jiding is a beloved dish that brings the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine to your table. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a well-balanced sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a bit of spice in their meal. Whether you're making the traditional chicken version or experimenting with other proteins and vegetables, Gong Bao Jiding is a versatile and delicious option for any occasion.
