EARL'S KUNG PAO (PROTEIN OF YOUR CHOICE)

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Earl's Kung Pao (Protein of Your Choice) image

Earl's Restaurant in Canada makes the most amazing Kung Pao - it's on their menu as chicken, but I had it made vegetarian, and wow, is it fantastic! Make it however you like... at Earl's, you order by the number of peppers... 1 for mild, 6 for scorching... I like 6! *Note* The peppers are not eaten, they're cooked in the sauce, and then removed. Passed along to my by a friend who I ate there with... she mentions that if you cannot find the peppers, you can sub them with 2 tsp chili paste and 1 1/2 tsp chili flakes (to taste.)

Provided by Katzen

Categories     Szechuan

Time 40m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

8 ounces tofu or 8 ounces chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar or 2 teaspoons vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or 1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
4 cups vegetables, chopped (broccoli, snow peas, carrots, peppers, etc)
375 g pasta (whole wheat or white) or 375 g noodles (dry)
2 -8 small dried red chili peppers
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bunch green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon szechuan peppercorn (optional)
4 tablespoons oil, for stir frying
1/2 cup salted peanuts or 1/2 cup cashews
3 drops sesame oil

Steps:

  • Mix together the marinade, adding the cornstarch last, and whisking well until there are no lumps.
  • Cut the tofu or chicken into 1-inch cubes. Combine with the marinade ingredients. Marinate ½ - 1 hour.
  • While the tofu or chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables. Set aside.
  • Heat wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 2 tbsp oil. When oil is hot, add tofu or chicken and marinade. Stir-fry until chicken is cooked or tofu is browned. Remove from the wok and set aside. Stir fry vegetables until tender crisp, and set aside.
  • Cook whole wheat pasta until al dente. Drain.
  • Add 2 tbsp oil to wok. When hot, add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Add the sauce, chili paste and hot pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Add cooked tofu or chicken, vegetables, green onions and nuts. Stir until hot. Remove from heat and add few drops of sesame oil.
  • Add sauce, vegetables, and chicken to pasta and toss. Garnish with extra nuts.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 732, Fat 35.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Sodium 917, Carbohydrate 82.9, Fiber 6.4, Sugar 6.2, Protein 24.6

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