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Kung Pao Chicken
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 0 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 30 Minutes
Servings: 6
Excerpted from The Food of China by Deh-Ta Hsuing and Nina Simonds
Ingredients:
12 ounces skinless chicken breasts, filet
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
3 tablespoons shaoxing rice wine
2 teaspoons roasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup peeled water chestnut
3 tablespoons oil
1 lb baby english spinach leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3/4 cup unsalted peanuts
1 spring onion, finely chopped (scallion)
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon chinese black vinegar
1/4 cup chicken stock
Directions:
1. Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of the rice wine, 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons of the cornstarch, and toss lightly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Blanch the water chestnuts in a pan of boiling water, then refresh in cold water. Drain, pat dry, and cut into thick slices.
2. Heat a wok over high heat, add 1 teaspoon of the oil and heat until very hot. Stir-fry the spinach, salt, 2 teaspoons of the garlic, and 2 teaspoons of the rice wine, turning constantly, until the spinach is just becoming limp. Remove the spinach from the wok, arrange around the edge of a platter, cover and keep warm.
3. Reheat the wok over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil, and heat until very hot. Stir-fry half the chicken pieces, turning constantly, until the meat is cooked. Remove with a wire sieve or slotted spoon and drain. Repeat with 1 tablespoon of oil and the remaining chicken. Wipe out the pan. Dry-fry the peanuts in the wok or saucepan until browned.
4. Reheat the wok over high heat, add the remaining oil, and heat until very hot. Stir-fry the spring onion, ginger, remaining garlic, and the chili sauce for 10 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the sliced water chestnuts and stir-fry for 15 seconds, or until heated through. Combine the sugar, black vinegar, chicken stock, and remaining soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil and cornstarch, add to the sauce and simmer until thickened. Add the cooked chicken and the peanuts. Toss lightly to coat with the sauce. Transfer to the center of the platter and serve.
By RecipeOfHealth.com