Sichuan Gong Bao Chicken

Sichuan Gong Bao

SpiceBreeze
Gong Bao is a classic, spicy dish originated in the Sichuan Province in Southwest China, named after a former governor of Sichuan. Unlike the westernized version, also known as Kung Bao, it's signature spice is Sichuan peppercorn. Don't be surprised. This pepper is not hot but causes a slight numbing sensation on the tongue. Add fresh chili pepper to taste for the desired heat.
hands-on time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese, Sichuan
Servings 3
Calories 317 kcal

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.25 lbs chicken breast or tenders

Fresh Produce

  • 1 small red bell pepper
  • 1 small zucchini
  • 6 green onions

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 0.5 cup peanuts or cashews roasted
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dry sherry or cooking wine
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 3 tbsp vinegar
  • 2-3 tbsp sugar
  • corn- or potato starch
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Gong Bao Culinary Spice Kit

  • Garlic, ginger, Sichuan pepper (don’t use during pregnancy), mild chili pepper

Suggested Sides

  • cooked or steamed rice
  • long noodles

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • Cut chicken into 0.5-inch cubes. In a CONTAINER, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sherry.
  • Add chicken and mix well. Cover. Keep in the fridge overnight. Stir halfway.

Sauce

  • In a CUP, mix 2 tbsp sugar, Gong Bao spices, 1 tbsp starch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp vinegar, 0.25 cup broth, and 2 tsp oil.
  • Optionally, add sweetness and chili peppers to your taste. Set aside.

Prepare

  • Cut vegetables into 0.5-inch pieces.
  • Keep the chopped green part of the onions aside.

Fry

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat until right before smoking.
  • Mix chicken with 2 tbsp starch. Add it to the PAN and stir-fry until it's slightly brown.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add vegetables. Fry until all ingredients are tender.
  • Stir the sauce well and add it to the PAN.
  • Stir and toss until the sauce thickens.
  • Lastly, stir in the nuts (optional).

Serve

  • Serve with your preferred side and sprinkle with the green parts of the onions.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute chicken with boneless pork chops, beef sirloin, shrimp, tempeh, or tofu.
  • Substitute vegetables with bok choy, leek, bamboo shoots, or shredded root vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 207gSodium: 789mgSugar: 4.8gFiber: 6.4gCalories: 317kcalMonounsaturated Fat: 6.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.7gSaturated Fat: 3.6gFat: 14.6gProtein: 10gCarbohydrates: 39.4g