Kung Pao Chicken (China)
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Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan stir-fry featuring diced chicken, peanuts, and dried chili peppers, all tossed in a bold, savory-sweet sauce with a distinctive numbing-spicy (málà) flavor. It originates from Sichuan province in southwestern China and is a staple of Chinese cuisine worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of protein from the chicken and peanuts, with a moderate amount of fat from the cooking oil and nuts. A typical serving contains roughly 300-400 calories, with carbs coming mainly from the sauce and any accompanying rice.
💡 What's interesting
The dish is named after Ding Baozhen, a late Qing Dynasty official whose title was 'Gōng Bǎo' (Palace Guardian). Its signature 'málà' flavor comes from Sichuan peppercorns, which create a unique tingling, numbing sensation on the tongue.