Kung Pao Chicken

Recipe adapted from and with thanks to Rasa Malaysia

Servings: servings

Stir-fry Ingredients:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1/2" - 3/4" pieces
3 tablespoons roasted peanuts
6-10 dried red chilies de-seeded and split in half lengthwise, I used 8 and it was plenty of heat for us.
3 tablespoons light flavor olive oil or coconut oil
1 " fresh ginger cut into matchsticks
2 cloves garlic sliced very thin
1 stalk scallion or green onion sliced thin
Marinade Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 teaspoon light flavor olive oil
Sauce Ingredients:
1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot

Combine the chicken with the marinade ingredients and toss to coat. Let rest for 30 minutes. Whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned and almost cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
Place the skillet back on the stove and warm again until it is almost smoking. Add in the ginger and garlic and stir to coat. Add the chilies and stir fry until they are aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken back to the skillet, along with the peanuts. Toss together a few times and then add the sauce, stirring until the chicken is well-coated. Cook about a minute to slightly reduce the sauce and then add the scallions. Stir to combine and then serve over hot rice. Enjoy!