Gong Bao
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Gong Bao, also known as Kung Pao, is a classic Sichuan dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a savory and slightly spicy sauce. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create an authentic Gong Bao dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 6-8 dried red chilies, deseeded and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
- 3-4 spring onions (scallions), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for extra heat)
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Add the chicken cubes and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and the chilies are slightly charred.
5. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, along with the peanuts and spring onions. If using Sichuan peppercorns, add them now for an extra kick. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Remove the Gong Bao from heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with some additional spring onions and peanuts, if desired.
8. Serve the Gong Bao hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
Note: Adjust the amount of dried red chilies according to your preference for spiciness. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added variety.
Gong Bao is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Sichuan cuisine. With this detailed recipe, you can create an authentic Gong Bao at home, impressing your loved ones with your culinary skills. Enjoy the spicy, savory, and nutty flavors of this classic Chinese dish!
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