Kung Pao Food

KUNG PAO CHICKEN

Steps:

• To Make Marinade: Combine 1 tablespoon wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon cornstarch/water mixture and mix together. Place chicken pieces in a glass dish or bowl and add marinade. Toss to coat. Cover dish and place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• To Make Sauce: In a small bowl combine 1 tablespoon wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch/water mixture, chili paste, vinegar and sugar. Mix together and add green onion, garlic, water chestnuts and peanuts. In a medium skillet, heat sauce slowly until aromatic.
• Meanwhile, remove chicken from marinade and saute in a large skillet until meat is white and juices run clear. When sauce is aromatic, add sauteed chicken to it and let simmer together until sauce thickens.

KUNG PAO CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine chicken and cornstarch in small bowl.
• Toss to coat.
• Heat oil in large non-stick skillet or wok on medium heat.
• Add chicken.
• Stir fry 5- 7 minutes or until no longer pink in center.
• Remove from heat.
• Add onions, garlic, red pepper and ginger to skillet.
• Stir fry 15 seconds.
• Remove from heat.
• Combine vinegar, soy sauce and sugar in small bowl.
• Stir well.
• Add to skillet.
• Return chicken to skillet.
• Stir until chicken is well coated.
• Stir in nuts.
• Heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
• Serve over hot rice.

EARL'S KUNG PAO (PROTEIN OF YOUR CHOICE)

Steps:

• Mix together the marinade, adding the cornstarch last, and whisking well until there are no lumps.
• Cut the tofu or chicken into 1-inch cubes. Combine with the marinade ingredients. Marinate ½ - 1 hour.
• While the tofu or chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables. Set aside.
• Heat wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 2 tbsp oil. When oil is hot, add tofu or chicken and marinade. Stir-fry until chicken is cooked or tofu is browned. Remove from the wok and set aside. Stir fry vegetables until tender crisp, and set aside.
• Cook whole wheat pasta until al dente. Drain.
• Add 2 tbsp oil to wok. When hot, add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Add the sauce, chili paste and hot pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Add cooked tofu or chicken, vegetables, green onions and nuts. Stir until hot. Remove from heat and add few drops of sesame oil.
• Add sauce, vegetables, and chicken to pasta and toss. Garnish with extra nuts.
• Enjoy!

KUNG PAO CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, vegetable stock or water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
• Heat wok or large (12-inch) skillet on medium-high until very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, the cauliflower florets and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss for 1 minute. Cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, tossing the cauliflower every 1 1/2 minutes or so, until the cauliflower is crisp-tender and charred in some parts. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, along with the bell pepper. Toss for 1 minute, then add the Sichuan peppercorns and whole dried chiles, and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds, then add the cauliflower back to the pan. Stir the sauce in the bowl to make sure the cornstarch is well incorporated, then pour it over the cauliflower and toss until the cauliflower is well coated. Toss in the peanuts and scallions, stir to combine, then turn off heat. Serve with rice.