Yaoguo jiding (腰果鸡丁)
China
Tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews and fresh vegetables in a fragrant brown sauce. A quick Asian dish, perfect for a weekday dinner.
Ingredients
- 340 g chicken thighs
- 3 tsp corn starch
- 0.125 tsp white pepper
- 55 ml water
- 35 ml vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 113 g cashews
- 3 pcs garlic
- 5 pcs ginger
- 1 pcs onion
- 1 pcs bell pepper
Steps
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Cut the chicken thighs into small cubes, sprinkle with 1 tsp corn starch, 0.125 tsp white pepper, add 10 ml water and 1 tsp vegetable oil, mix well and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, combine 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 2 tsp corn starch, 1 tsp sugar, 45 ml water and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix thoroughly.
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Heat a cold skillet, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil and fry the cashews until golden, stirring constantly. Transfer the cashews to a separate bowl, leaving the oil in the skillet.
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In the same skillet, stir‑fry the prepared chicken pieces over high heat until a light crust forms and they are nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
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Add the sliced garlic, ginger, and onion to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and lightly browned.
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Add the sliced bell pepper, stir‑fry for about 1 minute, then return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together for another minute.
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Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats all the ingredients.
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Remove the skillet from the heat, add the fried cashews and gently stir. Serve the dish immediately.
FAQ
What is Yaoguo jiding (宫保鸡丁)?
Yaoguo jiding, also known as Kung Pao Chicken, is a classic Sichuan Chinese dish featuring diced chicken, peanuts (or cashews in this recipe), and vegetables stir-fried with chili peppers and a savory sauce.
How do you pronounce 宫保鸡丁?
The pronunciation of 宫保鸡丁 is 'Gōngbǎo jīdīng' in Mandarin Chinese, or 'Kung Pao Chicken' in English.
Can I make Kung Pao Chicken less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Yaoguo jiding by reducing or omitting the chili peppers. The recipe still delivers rich flavor without intense heat.
What can I substitute for cashews in Yaoguo jiding?
While cashews add a unique crunch, you can substitute them with peanuts for a more traditional Kung Pao flavor, or even almonds for a different texture. Our AI assistant can help you find suitable alternatives.
How long does it take to cook Yaoguo jiding?
This Yaoguo jiding recipe is designed for a quick meal, taking approximately 26 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.