Cooking the Perfect Kung Pao Chicken Like Panda Express

Kung Pao chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has gained worldwide recognition, thanks in part to the famous Panda Express restaurant chain. This spicy stir-fry dish is made with marinated chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers in a savory sauce. If you’re a fan of Kung Pao chicken and want to learn how to cook it like Panda Express, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this mouth-watering dish.

Understanding the Origins of Kung Pao Chicken

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a brief look at the origins of Kung Pao chicken. This dish originated in the Sichuan province of China, where it’s known as “Gong Bao Ji Ding.” The name “Kung Pao” is derived from the Chinese words “Gong Bao,” which means “palace guardian.” The dish was created in the late 19th century by a chef named Ding Baozhen, who worked in the palace of the governor of Sichuan.

The Evolution of Kung Pao Chicken

Over time, Kung Pao chicken has undergone significant changes, especially after it was introduced to the United States. The original recipe used Sichuan peppercorns, which gave the dish a unique numbing flavor. However, due to the unavailability of Sichuan peppercorns in the US, chefs began substituting them with other ingredients, such as chili peppers and garlic.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To cook Kung Pao chicken like Panda Express, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small can of roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Scallions, chopped (optional)

Equipment:

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure to prepare all the ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic and dice the onion and red bell pepper. Measure out the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Cooking the Kung Pao Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to cook the perfect Kung Pao chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Add the chicken to the wok and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Peanuts and Chili Peppers

Add the roasted peanuts and chili peppers (if using) to the wok. Cook for 1 minute, until the peanuts are lightly toasted.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

Add the cooked chicken back into the wok and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until everything is well coated.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you perfect your Kung Pao chicken recipe:

• Use Sichuan peppercorns: If you can find Sichuan peppercorns, use them to give your Kung Pao chicken an authentic flavor.
• Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the stir-fry.
• Use different nuts: You can substitute the peanuts with other nuts, such as cashews or almonds.
• Make it spicier: If you like spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or use hot sauce to give your Kung Pao chicken an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Kung Pao chicken is typically served with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with other Chinese dishes, such as egg rolls or dumplings.

Conclusion

Cooking Kung Pao chicken like Panda Express is easier than you think. With the right ingredients and equipment, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese-American dish that’s sure to please. Remember to marinate the chicken, cook the vegetables and peanuts, and combine everything with a savory sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make the dish your own. Happy cooking!

Note: You can adjust the quantity of the ingredients according to your preference.

What is Kung Pao Chicken and how does it taste?

Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. It is a spicy stir-fry dish made with marinated chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. The dish has a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor profile, with a numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns.

When cooked correctly, Kung Pao Chicken should have a nice balance of flavors, with the spiciness from the chili peppers and the numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns complementing the savory flavor of the chicken and peanuts. The dish should also have a nice texture, with the chicken cooked to perfection and the peanuts and vegetables crunchy.

What are the essential ingredients for making Kung Pao Chicken like Panda Express?

To make Kung Pao Chicken like Panda Express, you will need some essential ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, peanuts, scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and chili peppers. You will also need Sichuan peppercorns, which are a key ingredient in Kung Pao Chicken and give the dish its unique numbing flavor.

In addition to these ingredients, you will also need some aromatics, such as scallions and garlic, to add flavor to the dish. You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. However, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the traditional recipe to get the authentic flavor of Kung Pao Chicken.

How do I prepare the chicken for Kung Pao Chicken?

To prepare the chicken for Kung Pao Chicken, you will need to marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the chicken and give it a nice flavor. You can also add other ingredients to the marinade, such as garlic and ginger, to give the chicken more flavor.

After marinating the chicken, you will need to cook it in a wok or large skillet over high heat. This will help to sear the chicken and give it a nice texture. Be sure to cook the chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink. You can also add a little oil to the wok or skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking.

What is the role of peanuts in Kung Pao Chicken?

Peanuts are a key ingredient in Kung Pao Chicken and play a crucial role in the dish. They add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish, and help to balance out the spiciness of the chili peppers. Peanuts are also a good source of protein and healthy fats, making them a nutritious addition to the dish.

In addition to their flavor and texture, peanuts also help to thicken the sauce in Kung Pao Chicken. When you stir-fry the peanuts with the chicken and vegetables, they release their oil and help to thicken the sauce. This gives the dish a nice, velvety texture that is characteristic of Kung Pao Chicken.

How do I achieve the perfect balance of flavors in Kung Pao Chicken?

Achieving the perfect balance of flavors in Kung Pao Chicken requires a combination of the right ingredients and cooking techniques. First, you need to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken, peanuts, and vegetables. You also need to use the right seasonings, such as soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Sichuan peppercorns.

To balance out the flavors, you can adjust the amount of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use fewer chili peppers or omit the Sichuan peppercorns altogether. You can also add other ingredients, such as sugar or vinegar, to balance out the flavors. The key is to taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Can I make Kung Pao Chicken without a wok?

While a wok is traditional cookware for making Kung Pao Chicken, you can also make the dish without one. You can use a large skillet or sauté pan with a non-stick surface to cook the chicken and vegetables. However, keep in mind that a wok is designed for stir-frying and can help to distribute the heat evenly.

If you don’t have a wok, you can also use a large cast-iron skillet or a stainless steel pan. These pans retain heat well and can help to cook the chicken and vegetables quickly. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and heat accordingly, as these pans can cook more slowly than a wok.

How do I serve Kung Pao Chicken like Panda Express?

To serve Kung Pao Chicken like Panda Express, you can serve it over steamed rice or noodles. You can also garnish the dish with scallions, peanuts, and sesame seeds to give it a nice presentation. If you want to make the dish more authentic, you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or egg rolls.

In addition to serving the dish with rice or noodles, you can also customize it to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as carrots or bell peppers. You can also serve the dish with a side of fortune cookies or egg rolls to make it more like a Chinese-American meal.