This Kung Pao Chicken is spicy, sour, sweet and salty and everything we love about Indo-Chinese food! It’s easy, comes together quickly, has the same takeout style flavor, and makes for the best weeknight meal.

If there’s one takeaway dish I never get tired of, it’s Kung Pao Chicken. I love how it comes together in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients, yet tastes like something you’d order from your favourite Chinese restaurant. It’s saucy, packed with flavour, and one of those recipes that disappears from the dinner table every single time. We are talking BIG flavours here!

In the authentic Chinese version, Kung Pao or Kung Bo is usually a dry stir fry served as an appetiser or accompaniment.  But we made an Indianised version, so it’s got more sauce, mushrooms and peanuts. I promise, it’s just as good!

Kung Pao Chicken Ingredients

• Red Chilli Paste: Dry red chilli paste is just what this kung pao stir fry needs for a hit of spice. It’s a simple blend of soaked dry red chillies and water. I’ve used the seeds of the chillies in the sauce for extra heat. If you want to reduce the heat level, just remove the seeds of the chillies before blending.
• Kung Pao Sauce: This Chinese spicy chicken has a spicy sweet salty gravy which is dangerously addictive. The sauce is a perfect balance of soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, ketchup, sesame oil and lemon juice.
• Dried Red Chillies – For an extra spicy, smoky hit.
• Sichuan Peppercorns: These keep you coming back for more!
• Chicken: Boneless thigh pieces stay juicy and tender through the high cooking temperatures of Indo-Chinese cooking.
• Corn flour: Used in the marinade as well as the sauce. It helps to make crisp up the chicken pieces as well thicken the sauce and lend a glossy sheen.
• Veggies: Mushrooms and onions for texture and flavor
• Aromatics: Finely chopped ginger and garlic
• Peanuts: Roasted for extra texture and a lovely nutty flavor. You can replace peanuts with cashews for a slightly different flavor.
• Spring onion greens: Used as garnish for freshness

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Adjust the spice to suit your tolerance. I’ve made this kung pow chicken extra spicy coz that’s how I roll, but you can adjust spice levels according to your preference!
• Don’t skip the marinade. Even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference. The baking soda helps tenderise the chicken, while the cornflour creates a light coating that gives the sauce something to cling to.
• Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate, which is very important for the quick cook times of Indo-Chinese cuisine.
• Fry the chicken in batches. If you’re making a large batch, then it’s best to cook the chicken in smaller batches. Overcrowding the wok lowers the oil temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of turning golden.
• Keep the heat high while stir-frying. High heat cooks the vegetables quickly so they stay crisp and helps the sauce reduce into a glossy coating instead of becoming watery.
• Have everything prepped before you start. Everything moves really quickly once you start cooking. So keeping everything ready before you start ensures a smoother cooking process.
• Make it vegetarian or vegan by swapping chicken with paneer or tofu respectively. You can check out my kung pao tofu recipe here.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a hot pan for a few minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The mushrooms will soften slightly after freezing, but the flavour will still be great.
• Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store both separately in the refrigerator and stir-fry just before serving.

Serving Ideas for Kung Pao Chicken

• Steamed jasmine rice: The classic pairing. The fluffy rice soaks up all the delicious sauce and balances the bold flavours of the stir-fry. You can also serve with plain steamed rice for an equally delicious meal.
• Fried rice or noodles: Egg fried rice, hakka noodles, chilli garlic noodles, basil fried rice are some classic Indo-Chinese sides that really complement the sweet, savory spicy notes of kung pao chicken.
• Stir-fried greens: Serve alongside bok choy, Chinese greens, broccoli or green beans for an easy way to add more vegetables to the meal.
• Asian-inspired sides: Pair it with spring rolls, momos, bao, or a light cucumber salad for a complete takeout-style spread.
• Lettuce wraps: Spoon the chicken into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for a lighter meal or appetiser.

Garnish Kung Pao Chicken with chopped spring onions and serve with steamed rice or noodles!

This kung pao chicken recipe is so easy, delicious, and addictive that I’ll be you won’t be able to stop making it. We make it nearly every other week, and we’re still not bored. It’s quick, flavour-packed, and one of the BEST Indo-Chinese dishes you can make at home.

If you try this recipe, DM me pictures over on my IG or tag me in your stories at @my_foodstory.

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Saucy Kung Pao Chicken

This Kung Pao Chicken recipe has big, bold flavours from chillies added three ways. There's lots of sauce so that the rice can soak up some of that spice and this can turn into a main dish.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian Chinese

Diet Halal

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 390kcal

Author Richa

Ingredients

For marinade

• 500 gms boneless chicken thighs cut into ½ inch pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons cornflour cornstarch
• 3-4 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon crushed pepper

For sauce

• 1 ½ tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons cornflour
• ¾ + ⅛ cup water

For stir-fry

• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil or any neutral flavoured oil divided
• 10 dried red chillies whole
• 1 large onion cut into petals, approx. 1 cup
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
• 10 mushrooms halved
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts
• ¾ teaspoon white pepper powder
• ¼ cup cut spring onion greens 1 inch pieces

Instructions

• In a large bowl add all the ingredients listed under marinade, mix well to combine all the ingredients. Set aside for 30 minutes to an hour.
  500 gms boneless chicken thighs, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, 3 tablespoons cornflour, 3-4 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon crushed pepper
• Whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
  1 ½ tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 ½ tablespoons dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons cornflour, ¾ + ⅛ cup water
• Heat oil in a wok or kadai. Once the oil is hot, add chicken pieces and fry for 3 – 4 minutes, turning once or twice till golden brown. Do not over crowd the wok as the chicken pieces tend to stick together. Fry them in batches and set aside.
  3 tablespoons sunflower oil or any neutral flavoured oil
• To the same wok, add onion petals, red chillies and saute on high for a few seconds till fragrant. Add garlic, ginger and saute on high for a few seconds, add mushrooms and stir fry on high heat for 1-2 minutes and add the fried chicken. Toss for 2 minutes till the chicken absorbs the flavours. Add the sauce, white pepper and toss well on high heat till the sauce coats the chicken. Stir fry for a minute or two and take off the heat. Top with spring onions and serve.
  10 dried red chillies, 1 large onion, 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger, 10 mushrooms, ¼ cup roasted peanuts, ¾ teaspoon white pepper powder, ¼ cup cut spring onion greens

Video

Notes

1. Keep all ingredients chopped and ready before starting the stir fry process as it has to happen quickly and on high heat.
2. To make onion petals cut onions into 3/4 inch wide slices, separate each layer of onion to form petals.
3. Boneless chicken thighs are used in the recipe as they are juicy and tender

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1788mg | Potassium: 690mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

This article was researched and written by Urvi Dalal.

The post Easy Kung Pao Chicken Recipe appeared first on My Food Story.

If you think tofu is boring, these creamy chilli tofu noodles are about to change your mind. Silky tofu sauce with a crispy, umami-packed tofu crumble on top makes this one of the most satisfying noodle bowls I’ve ever made at home.

We eat these creamy chilli tofu noodles so often at home that I’ve lost count. They’re warm, comforting, and have this incredible depth of flavour from the shiitake mushrooms and homemade chilli oil. And because we make both the sauce and the crumble from tofu, every serving is protein-rich, something that’s not very common with noodle dishes.

The whole thing takes about 30 minutes and uses ingredients that are easy to find. This is easily one of our favorite weeknight noodle bowls, and it’s usually on rotation with peanut butter ramen and chilli chicken noodles.

Ingredients for Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles

Tofu: Use firm tofu for best results. It holds up well both when blended into a sauce and when crumbled and fried.

Shiitake Mushrooms: Dried, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, and finely chopped.

Walnuts: Roughly chopped, for crunch and richness in the crumble.

Crumble Marinade: Oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, vinegar, garam masala, grated garlic, and grated ginger.

Tofu Sauce: Peanut butter, garlic, salt, and water blended with tofu.

Noodles: Any thick noodle works well here. Cook as per package instructions.

Chilli Oil: For drizzling on top before serving.

Spring Onions: Whites and greens, separated.

Oil: Any neutral cooking oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Use firm tofu, not silken. Silken tofu is too soft and watery for both the sauce and the crumble. Firm tofu blends into a smooth sauce while still having enough structure to crumble and fry without falling apart.
• Keep frying the crumble even when it looks mushy. It will turn mushy at first and that’s completely normal. Keep going on low heat for 4-5 minutes and it’ll turn golden and crispy. That’s where all the texture comes from.
• Don’t overcook the noodles. They need to hold up against the sauce and crumble, so slightly undercooked is better than overdone. Drain them as soon as they’re ready.
• Assemble right before eating. The sauce, crumble, and noodles are best combined at the last minute. If they sit too long, the noodles absorb the sauce and lose that saucy, coated texture you want.

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store the sauce, crumble, and noodles separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keeping them apart prevents the noodles from absorbing all the sauce and the crumble from going soft.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The tofu sauce changes texture once frozen, and the noodles become mushy after thawing.
• Reheating tip: Warm the noodles with a splash of water, heat the crumble on a hot pan to crisp it back up, and serve with fresh sauce. The sauce is best at room temperature or gently warmed, not hot.

Serving Ideas

These creamy chilli tofu noodles are a full meal in a bowl, but if you want to add something on the side:

• With Vegetarian Gyoza Potstickers: Crispy gyoza alongside a creamy bowl of noodles is always a winning combination.
• With Veg Spring Rolls: Light, crispy spring rolls are a great contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
• With Asian Slaw: Something fresh and crunchy on the side balances the richness of the tofu sauce nicely.
• With a fried egg on top: If you’re not keeping it vegan, a runny fried egg over the noodles adds another layer of richness and protein.

Customisation Ideas

• Add more veggies: Broccoli, bok choy, edamame, or baby corn all work really well with the recipe. You can stir-fry them quickly and add them on top with the crumble so they’re crunchy and fresh.
• Make it non-veg: You can toss in shredded chicken or prawns for a very different flavour profile; the tofu sauce goes just as well with both options. 
• Swap the peanut butter: If you want a milder yet creamier taste, you can use cashew butter or almond butter for a slightly nuttier flavour. 
• Make it spicier: For a deeper, more layered spice, you can add in a teaspoon of gochujang or sriracha to the tofu sauce before blending. 

Did You Know?

Tofu was invented over 2,000 years ago in China, and the most widely accepted story credits it to a happy accident. Legend says a Chinese cook accidentally curdled soy milk by adding nigari, a mineral-rich salt derived from seawater. The curds that formed were pressed together, and tofu was born. The process hasn’t changed much since. Every block of tofu you buy today is still essentially soy milk that’s been curdled and pressed. 

If you’ve been looking for a plant-based meal that actually feels satisfying and comforting, this tofu noodles recipe is the one to try. The sauce is creamy, the crumble is crispy, and the chilli oil ties it all together. We make it all the time, and it hasn’t gotten old yet.

Tag me on Instagram @my_foodstory when you make it; I always love seeing these recipes in your kitchens.

Watch Chilli Tofu Noodles Recipe Video

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Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles

Creamy, spicy, nutty, and full of umami, these Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles are a must-try for Indo-Chinese lovers. It's loaded with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customisable.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian Chinese

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 256kcal

Author Richa

Ingredients

For marination

• 100 grams tofu approx. 1 cup, roughly chopped
• 2 shiitake mushrooms hydrated and finely chopped refer note 1
• 5 walnuts roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For sauce

• 100 grams tofu approx. 1 cup
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 garlic cloves whole
• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ cup water

Other

• 225 grams cooked noodles approx. 2 ½ cups
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onion whites
• ¼ cup finely chopped spring onion greens divided
• 1 tablespoon chilli oil

Instructions

Marinating tofu

• Take tofu in a bowl, add chopped shiitake mushrooms, walnuts and rest of the ingredients for the marination, give a good mix and marinate for 10 minutes.
  100 grams tofu, 2 shiitake mushrooms hydrated and finely chopped, 5 walnuts, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, 1 teaspoon vinegar, ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder, 1 teaspoon grated garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking noodles

• Boil 3 cups of water in a pot, add noodles and cook as per package instructions. Do not overcook the noodles. Drain immediately and set aside.
  225 grams cooked noodles

Making tofu sauce

• Add tofu, peanut butter, salt and water to a mixer and blend to a smooth sauce, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  100 grams tofu, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 pinch salt, ¼ cup water, 2 garlic cloves

Pan frying tofu crumble

• Heat a wide pan with 1 tablespoon cooking oil, add spring onion whites and fry for a few seconds on high until fragrant, add the marinated tofu and fry on medium heat. Initially they will turn mushy but keep frying on low for 4-5 minutes till they turn golden and crispy. Add 2 tablespoons of spring onion greens and take off the heat.
  1 tablespoon cooking oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onion whites, ¼ cup finely chopped spring onion greens

To serve

• Take cooked noodles in a bowl, sprinkle a few drops of water and microwave for 30 seconds. add tofu sauce, top with tofu crumble, 2 tablespoons of spring onion greens, drizzle chilli oil and serve immediately.
  1 tablespoon chilli oil

Video

Notes

1. To hydrate shiitake mushrooms, soak in hot water for 10 minutes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles appeared first on My Food Story.