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 mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Course: Main Course, sauce
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: chile de arbol, japones, sesame oil, Sichuan, soy sauce, szechuan
Servings: 4
Calories: 117kcal
- 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
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.
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