Dish

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is made by stir-frying chicken with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and garlic. The dish is seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste, which gives it its signature spicy and savory flavor. Other ingredients such as peanuts or cashews can also be added to the dish for additional texture. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and is a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine.

Asian cuisine› Chinese cuisine

Stir-fry

Origins and history

Kung Pao Chicken is a dish that originated in Sichuan province in China. It is believed to have been created during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and has since become a popular dish throughout China and around the world.

Dietary considerations

Kung Pao Chicken is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it contains chicken. It is also a high-calorie dish due to the use of chicken and the stir-frying method of cooking. It is not recommended for those on a low-fat or low-calorie diet.

Variations

There are many variations of Kung Pao Chicken, with some recipes calling for different vegetables or spices. Some recipes also call for the use of other meats such as beef or pork instead of chicken. Vegetarian versions of the dish can also be made using tofu or seitan instead of chicken.

Presentation and garnishing

Kung Pao Chicken is typically served in a large bowl or platter, with the chicken and vegetables arranged on top of a bed of steamed rice. The dish is often garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro. The presentation should be colorful and visually appealing, with the different colors and textures of the ingredients on display.

Tips & Tricks

To make the dish even more flavorful, try marinating the chicken in soy sauce and rice wine before stir-frying it. This will help to infuse the chicken with more flavor and make it more tender. You can also add more vegetables to the dish to make it more nutritious and filling.

Side-dishes

Kung Pao Chicken is typically served with steamed rice, but can also be served with noodles or bread. It is also often served with a side of pickled vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce.

Drink pairings

Kung Pao Chicken pairs well with a variety of drinks, including beer, red wine, and tea. The spicy and savory flavors of the dish are complemented by the bitterness of beer, the richness of red wine, and the earthiness of tea.