For lunch we did a Fried Rice topped with Chow Mein on the left and Kung Pao Chicken (without the hot chili peppers) on the right! You can find the Chow Mein recipe here, and the Fried Rice recipe here, but keep reading for some Kung Pao Chicken magic! Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
(I use chicken thigh instead of chicken breast.)
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 large egg
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon white wine
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/3 cup water
2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided use)
12 whole dry chili peppers, smaller than 3 inches; if longer, cut in half (Personally, I omitted these entirely because of my children.)
1/4 cup diced green onion, diced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground garlic
1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/2 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 ounces dry roasted peanuts
1 red bell pepper, cut into 3/4 inch cubes (I omitted this entirely as well, but it is better if you have it.)
1 large zucchini , cut into 3/4 inch cubes
INSTRUCTIONS Combine the chicken, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 egg, 1/4 cup cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
In a small bowl add the wine, soy sauce and water and set aside. Heat wok/skillet on medium heat.
Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Remove chicken from marinade and add to wok, until cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan, add another 1/2 tablespoon of oil and the red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook on high and cook for 1-2 minutes, until just caramelized and slightly cooked.
Remove vegetables and add the chili peppers if you are using them. Stir until they darken a bit, then add the green onions, peanuts, ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper, and sesame oil. Stir and immediately add the wine/soy/water mixture.
Bring it to a boil, then add the cornstarch and water mix and stir until it has thickened. Add the chicken and vegetables back in, stir to combine.
Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds for an extra touch!
Enjoy!
Comments