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Kung Pao Sauce Recipe
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5 from 2 votes

Kung Pao Sauce Recipe

This homemade Kung Pao sauce recipe is easy to make and loaded with flavor, perfect for quick and easy Chinese-inspired dishes anytime.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course, sauce
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: chile de arbol, japones, sesame oil, Sichuan, soy sauce, szechuan
Servings: 4
Calories: 117kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil or use peanut oil
  • 6-8 dried hot chilies use Chinese hot chilies, or use dried chile de arbol, japones, or similar available to you – use MORE as desired for a HOTTER version
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns coarsely ground
  • 1 tablespoon minced leek or use scallions or white onion
  • 1 knob ginger peeled and minced (1 inch knob)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar or use balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or use brown sugar
  • 1 cup chicken broth or use vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry, for thickening, if desired

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a wok or large pan to medium heat and add the dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorn. Stir fry for 1 minute, or until the chilies darken a bit.
  • Add the leek, ginger and garlic. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes to lightly brown. The mixture will become aromatic.
  • Stir in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, black vinegar, honey, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and heat until it thickens.
  • Use as desired in any of your “Kung Pao” recipes. Toss with stir fried chicken, shrimp, vegetables or other combination.
  • To use later, cool slightly, then transfer to a container, seal, and refrigerate. Will last 1 week this way.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1443mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg