Takeout style Kung Pao chicken

From Sarah and Kara's Recipes

American Chinese "Kung Pao Chicken", like you'd get from a takeout place in most of the country.

Chicken

  • 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice wine (michiu, shaoxing wine, or sake)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp roasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp cornstarch

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice wine
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp chicken stock or bouillon
  • 4 tsp ginger-garlic paste, or 2 tsp each minced ginger and garlic
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp roasted sesame oil
  • 2 tsp cornstarch

Stir-Fry

  • 3 tbsp peanut oil
  • 2 large red bell peppers, chopped into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
  • 2 scallions, thinly chopped
  • 4 to 8 whole dried chilies (e.g. tien tsin), or 1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper

Directions

Mix the chicken ingredients and set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes. Mix sauce ingredients and whisk to combine.

Heat 1 tbsp peanut oil in a wok or large saucepan until almost smoking (about 425F). Add chicken, spread out in pan and let cook undisturbed for 1 minute. Cook until opaque but still slightly raw inside, about 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Return to a clean bowl and wipe out pan.

Heat 2 tbsp peanut oil as before. Add peppers and celery and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until they begin brown or blister in spots. Add peanuts, scallions and red pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Return chicken to pan and add sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.

Serve with rice.