Behind the Seasoning: Kung Pao Chicken
Stretching through 15 provinces of northeastern China, the awe-inspiring Great Wall graces the top of lush green mountains, gives height to plainlands, and snakes through the Gobi desert. Built over a period of 2,000 years (about the same time as it takes your delivery driver to arrive when you’re hungry), this architectural wonder helped facilitate the trade of spices along the Silk Road. We wanted to add a Spice ‘n Easy flavor that would be just as monumental. Great news! Kung Pao Chicken takes less than 2,000 years to make. Less than 30 minutes, to be exact.
What do you say to a little bit of friendly competition? Don’t worry, we’ll give your local Chinese restaurant a head start. Order some takeout and then start making Kung Pao Chicken Spice ‘n Easy. See which one hits your plate first and which one has you and the family coming back for fourths (you might need to make a second batch!).
What is Kung Pao Chicken?
There are several stories regarding the origin of kung pao chicken, but they all point back to a Qing Dynasty official in the province of Sichuan. His love of the dish and role as a palace guardian, or gongbao, led to the name Kung Pao.
At its essence, Kung Pao is a pretty simple, sweet and spicy, stir-fried dish of chicken. Like most stir-fry dishes, you can customize yours by adding in vegetables or additional chiles for a little more heat. We suggest garnishing your Kung Pao Chicken with bell peppers, scallions, and peanuts.
What Does Kung Pao Chicken Taste Like?
Szechwan (or Sichuan) cuisine, though best-known for its fiery, mouth-numbing dishes, is characterized by a symphony of flavors: salty, sweet, sour, floral, spicy, bitter, and smoky. We wanted to celebrate the balance of these flavors with a dish the whole family could enjoy.
How to Use Kung Pao Chicken
A quick, flavor-enhancing marinade and a simple stir-fry will have this punchy, peppery meal on your plate in less than 30 minutes. Turn up the heat and intensity with an extra sprinkle of ground Szechwan Peppercorns or crushed red pepper, get some extra protein and crunch with a handful of peanuts, or brighten your plate with some fresh green scallions.
Where & How to Buy Kung Pao Chicken?
Great news! Kung Pao Chicken is joining our Spice ‘n Easy line…for good! You can find this sweet and spicy mix at your local Savory Spice or shop online now. And if you love it, we’re making it even easier to stock up with our 3-count option (you’ll also save when you buy three at once!)
What Other Flavors Pair Well with Kung Pao Chicken?
For a classic takeout experience, you’ll need more than just Kung Pao. Pair it with Spiced Vegetable Lo Mein and Orange Chicken, then serve with fluffy white rice or and your favorite blend of stir-fried veggies. Don’t forget to add a few great side dishes (and an essential dessert)…those recipes are below.
Recipes Using Kung Pao Chicken
If you’re wondering if it comes with a side of egg rolls, check out these spiced-up takes on takeout faves and add them to your Szechwan-style spread!
Share your wonder-ful creations and tag us on Instagram (@savoryspiceshop). For even more internationally inspired seasonings, shop our World Flavors selections.
Leave a comment