"Gong Bao" is a classic, spicy dish originating in the Sichuan Province in Southwest China, named after a former governor of Sichuan. Unlike the Westernized version, also known as Kung Pao, its 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 level of heat.
1.25lbschicken breast or tenders [1]cut into 0.5-inch chunks
Fresh Produce, cut into 0.5-inch pieces
1smallred bell pepper [2]
1smallzucchini [2]
6green onionsKeep the chopped green part separate for later.
Dry Packaged Goods/Staples
2-3tbspsugar [3]for sauce
3tbspcorn- or potato starch1 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for chicken
Liquid Packaged Goods/Staples
1tbspdry sherry or cooking wine [4]for marinade
3tbspsoy sauce [5]2 for marinade, 1 for sauce
0.25cupchicken broth or stockfor sauce
3tbspvinegarfor sauce
oil2 tsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for frying
Optional
1chili pepperfinely chopped
0.5cuppeanuts or cashewsroasted recommended
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
CONTAINER - Soy-Sherry Marinade
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.
CUP - Mix the 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 more sugar and/or chili peppers to your taste. Set aside.
PAN - Fry Chicken
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.
PAN - Fry Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium.
Add vegetables. Fry until all ingredients are tender.
PAN - Thicken Sauce
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
[1] Substitute chicken with boneless pork chops, beef sirloin, shrimp, tempeh, or tofu.[2] Substitute bell peppers and/ or zucchini with bok choy, green beans, sugar snap peas, bamboo shoots, green asparagus, small broccoli florets, cauliflower rice, or shredded root vegetables. Substitute green onions with leek.[3] Substitute sugar with agave syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener.[4] Substitute with dry wine or lager beer. Or use 1 tbsp apple juice with a few drops of white vinegar.[5] For alternatives, visit our blog.