Kung Pao chicken

Kung Pao chicken is a classic dish in Szechuan cuisine, originating in the of central-western China. The dish is named after Ding Baozhen , a late Qing Dynasty official. Born in Guizhou, Ding served as head of Shandong province and later as governor of Sichuan province. His title was Gōng Bǎo , or palatial guardian. The name "Kung Pao" chicken is derived from this title.

The dish exists in both traditional Sichuan and Westernized versions; the latter is more popular in the United States and Canada.

Sichuan version

The original Sichuan version of Kung Pao chicken, uses chicken as its primary ingredient. In this authentic original version, diced chicken is typically mixed with a pre-prepared marinade. The wok is seasoned and then the chillies and are flash fried to add fragrance to the oil. Then the chicken is stir fried and vegetables, along with peanuts, are added. Shaoxing wine is used to enhance flavor in the marinade.

Kung Pao Chicken is considered an Asian delicacy for most. It starts off with fresh, moist, unroasted peanuts or cashew nuts are often used instead of their pre-roasted versions. In such situations, the peanuts or cashew nuts are dropped into the hot oil on the bottom of the wok first, then deep fried until golden brown before the other ingredients are added.

In Sichuan, or when preparing authentic ''gōng bǎo jī dīng'', only Sichuan-style chilis such as or are used. Smaller, thinner Sichuanese varieties may also be used.

The most important component of the dish is handfuls of the . It is these peppercorns that give authentic ''gōng bǎo jī dīng'' its distinctive numbing flavor. Use of ''má là wèi xíng'' , or hot and numbing flavor, is a typical element of Sichuan cooking. Sichuan peppercorns, along with red chilis, are the key components of ''má là wèi xíng''.

Westernized versions

Westernized versions, usually called "Kung Pao chicken," commonly consist of diced marinated chicken stir-fried with skinless unsalted roasted peanuts, red bell peppers, sherry or , hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and chili peppers. Although chicken is traditionally used, seafood items such as or s, or other meats such as beef or pork, are sometimes used in place of the chicken . It can also be prepared with tofu instead of meat, or with spaghetti . Purely vegetable-based versions also exist .

In order to prepare Western-style Kung Pao chicken, bits of diced raw chicken are marinated, then dusted with cornstarch, and then a Chinese wok is heated on a high flame, without oil, until it is quite hot. A swish of the ladle spreads a couple of teaspoons of peanut oil, then the chicken is flash fried in the hot oil to bring out the flavor of very slightly charred or grilled meat, but not so long that it loses its juices or tenderness. Next, grated garlic and the vegetables are added, followed by , along with a sweet sauce. A tiny drizzle of sesame oil provides the tang, peanuts are added, and the dish is ready in about one and a half minutes, from the time the oil first hits the wok.

Kung Pao chicken is a very popular staple of North American Sichuan-style Chinese restaurants, and many recommend using it as a measure of the skills of a chef.

Whereas the original Chinese version of the dish includes as an integral ingredient, the Western version does not. From 1968 until 2005 it was illegal to import Sichuan peppercorns into the United States. They were viewed as potential carriers of citrus canker, a tree disease that can potentially harm citrus crops. The ban has now been lifted in light of new processing methods. However, the 37-year ban resulted in a distinct American version of the recipe that does not incorporate Sichuan peppercorns.

In popular culture

On the 1994 ''Seinfeld'' episode ''"The Jimmy"'', George Costanza and Cosmo Kramer eat what is obviously the Sichuan version of the chicken as both end up sweating profusely from the spicy effects of the chicken.