Authentic Spicy Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 onion (medium, large diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (large diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (large diced)
• 3 celery stalks (large diced)
• 2 carrots (small, large diced)
• 5 oz water chestnuts (drained and thinly sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves (finely minced, range 4-5)
• 10 dried chili peppers (range 10-15, or to taste)
• 0.5 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
• cooking oil (for frying)
• 1 lb chicken breast or thigh (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 0.25 tsp white or black pepper
• 0.125 tsp baking soda
• 3 tbsp shaoxing wine or mirin (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp distilled vinegar (for sauce)
• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp sambal chili paste (for sauce)
• 1 tsp sugar (for sauce)
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
• 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with baking soda, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. 2

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, sugar, and chicken bouillon. Set aside.

3. 3

   Heat cooking oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken and cook through for 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

4. 4

   Reheat the wok with a fresh splash of oil. Add the onions and dried chili peppers, sautéing until the onions are lightly translucent.

5. 5

   Add the bell peppers, celery, carrots, and water chestnuts to the wok. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

6. 6

   Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is boiling.

7. 7

   Stir the cornstarch slurry once more, then pour it into the wok. Stir immediately to thicken the sauce.

8. 8

   Fold in the roasted peanuts, toss everything together, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the vegetables are not overcooked to maintain their signature crunch. The dark soy sauce is optional but adds a richer color to the dish.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• stir-fried
• spicy
• chicken
• takeout
• dinner