THE BEST PANDA EXPRESS KUNG PAO CHICKEN

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INGREDIENTS

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 large egg
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cooking wine (I used white wine)
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (I use Kikkoman Reduced Sodium)
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
1/4 cup diced green onion white part only, in 1/2-inch pieces
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
1 large zucchini cut into 3/4 inch cubes

INSTRUCTIONS


  • Note: click on times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer while cooking.
  • 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 high heat 10 seconds, you want that pan to be nice and hot!
  • Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
  • Remove chicken from marinade and add to wok, cooking on high heat for 60 seconds.
  • 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.
  • Stir until they darken a bit, then add the green onions, peanuts, ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper, and sesame oil.
  • Stir for 2-3 seconds 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.
  • To make my chicken more like Panda Express I actually cut the chicken into large cubes then pulsed it twice in the food processor for just a 1/2 second each just to break it apart and give is the same unique look.