COPYCAT KUNG PAO SPAGHETTI

Copycat Kung Pao Spaghetti image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Kosher salt
8 ounces spaghetti
Canola oil, for drizzling and frying
1 tablespoon mirin
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 pound chicken tenders, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sambal
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup dry-roasted peanuts
6 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 dried chiles de arbol, stemmed and seeded
3 cloves garlic, minced

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons canola oil and toss. Set aside.
Meanwhile, whisk together the mirin and 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, chili sauce, sambal, vinegar, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of the cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
Fill a large, heavy-bottomed skillet halfway with canola oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Toss the chicken with the remaining 1/2 cup cornstarch until coated completely. Add the chicken to the hot oil in batches and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate; cook the remaining chicken.
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil and return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the peanuts and cook until toasted to a dark brown, about 1 minute. Add the scallions, chiles and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth mixture to the skillet and bring to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet with the pasta and heat, tossing, until the pasta and chicken are fully coated and hot. Serve warm.