Spicy Kung Pao Chicken with Crispy Peanuts

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Delight in the vibrant flavors of Kung Pao Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the classic taste of Chinese cuisine right to your table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal, this dish combines tender chicken with a savory, spicy sauce and a delightful crunch from peanuts. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• Chicken:

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  • 500 grams chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • Salt to taste

• Additional Ingredients:

  • Cooking oil, as needed
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 cm ginger, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Red chili peppers, dried or fresh, to taste
  • 1 stalk green onion, chopped
  • A handful of roasted or fried peanuts (or cashews), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss until the chicken is well-coated. Set aside to marinate briefly.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In a separate bowl, mix together the chili sauce, sweet soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preference. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Slice the red bell pepper and chop the green onion. If using fresh red chilies, slice them accordingly. If using dried chilies, break them into smaller pieces.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:

   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic, ginger, red chili peppers, and sliced red bell pepper until they become fragrant and the peppers start to soften.

6. Combine and Cook:

   • Return the fried chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce has thickened.

7. Finish and Serve:

   • Add the chopped green onion and peanuts (or cashews) to the pan. Stir well to combine and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through.

8. Serve:

   • Transfer the Kung Pao Chicken to a serving dish. Serve it hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy the bold and balanced flavors of this Kung Pao Chicken recipe, a perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savory!