I have been obsessed with Kung Pao Chicken since I was a little girl. The glistening dark spicy sauce, crunchy peanuts, and whole Szechuan chiles, just daring you to take a bite, make this dish my #1 Chinese takeout pick! I’ve made Kung Pao Chicken, that actually tastes like the version I ate in China, in a wok for years. However, anytime I share a wok recipe, I get asked if it can be made in an Instant Pot. So today I’m working backwards… I guess more people have electric pressure cookers than woks these days. wink
What Does Kung Pao Sauce Taste Like?
The standout quality that makes Kung Pao Chicken Sauce different than other popular Chinese stir-fries, like General Tso’s Chicken or Orange Chicken, is the unique spicy heat. The spice is derived from Szechuan chiles and peppercorns. Szechuan peppercorns create a tingling (or even slightly numbing) sensation in your mouth, so that’s always fun. However, they are not extremely hot on their own. Szechuan chiles, however, bring the heat! The combination of the chiles and peppercorns together is like a disco party in your mouth.
Is Kung Pao Chicken Spicy?
Yes. Yes, it is. However, you can omit or reduce the Chinese chiles, and just use Szechuan peppercorns, to reduce the heat. At least the first time you make it. That way, you’ll know if you want to add the chiles back in for future dinners, or just keep it mellow.
What Are The Ingredients in Kung Pao Chicken?
Boneless chicken breast and/or thighs – I like to use both.Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce.Peanut oil – To sauté the chicken and aromatics.Scallions – Use the whole bunch from top to bottom. Garlic – Fresh is best!Ginger – Same as above.Sherry – Yes, sherry is important to get the right flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, buy a cheap bottle of cooking sherry at the market.Black bean garlic sauce – This provides unique depth to the sauce.Chinese black vinegar – A very traditional Chinese ingredient. If you can’t find it, use rice vinegar.Sugar – Or your preferred sweetener.Soy sauce – Regular or gluten-freeSzechuan peppercorns – The most important ingredient to make it taste authentic.Bell peppers – For color and texture.Dried Chinese Szechuan chiles – If you like it spicy!Roasted peanuts – For crunchy contrast.
How Do You Make the Best Kung Pao Chicken?
In order to make the very best Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken (or traditional wok Kung Pao Chicken) it’s important not to skimp on the ingredients. If your grocery store is somewhat limited on international ingredients, you may have to stop by an Asian market, or order a couple of things online. Please don’t let this deter you from making the recipe. One stop at an Asian market will provide inexpensive Chinese staples you can use for all sorts of stir-fry dishes. Plus, it’s fun to explore all the exotic ingredients!
I Don’t Have an Instant Pot. Can I Make Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken in a Wok?
Well, of course you can! You can use a wok or large sauté pan to make this exact recipe. It’s just as fast to make, and just as tantalizing!
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