ZCook

Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients:

- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
- 6-8 dried red chili peppers, seeds removed and chopped
- 3-4 green onions, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine or sherry, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the sauce: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and the cornstarch-water mixture. Set aside.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, ginger, chopped dried red chili peppers, and peanuts. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add the diced bell pepper and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

7. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken hot with steamed rice and garnish with additional chopped green onions and peanuts if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Kung Pao Chicken! Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.

Mapo Tofu Recipe

Ingredients:

- 400g silken tofu, cut into cubes

- 200g ground pork or beef

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)

- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste (toban djan)

- 2 green onions, finely chopped (separate white and green parts)

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional)

-Steamed rice, to serve

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the ground pork or beef to the skillet and cook until it's no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

3. Stir in the doubanjiang and chili bean paste, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

5. Gently add the cubed tofu to the skillet, being careful not to break it apart. Allow the tofu to simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

6. If using Sichuan peppercorns, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then crush them using a mortar and pestle.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional soy sauce if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce has thickened.

8. Sprinkle the crushed Sichuan peppercorns (if using) and the green parts of the chopped green onions over the Mapo Tofu.

9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your homemade Mapo Tofu! Adjust the spiciness according to your preference by adding more or less chili bean paste.

How to Cook Dumplings (Jiaozi) Recipe at Home

Ingredients:

For the filling:

- 250g ground pork

- 200g napa cabbage, finely chopped

- 2 green onions, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the dough:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 to 3/4 cup water

For dipping sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, make the dough by gradually adding water to the flour, stirring until it forms a rough dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rests for 30 minutes.

3. After resting, divide the dough into small pieces and roll each piece into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter.

4. Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle.

5. To fold the dumplings, moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal, pleating one side if desired for a decorative touch. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

6. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the dumplings in batches, making sure they don't stick together. Stir gently to prevent sticking.

7. Once the dumplings float to the surface, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through and the wrappers are translucent.

8. Remove the cooked dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain excess water. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

9. To make the dipping sauce, simply mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil (if using) in a small bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Dumplings (Jiaozi) with family and friends! Adjust the filling ingredients according to your preferences.