Kung Pao Sandwich Recipe

Kung Pao Chicken Sandwich

Embark on a culinary adventure that blends the vibrant flavours of Asia with the comfort of a classic sandwich. Our Kung Pao Chicken Sandwich takes the iconic Kung Pao Chicken and transforms it into a handheld delight that will ignite your taste buds. As you make this exceptional sandwich, get ready to be mesmerised by the enticing scents that fill the air.

Imagine tender chicken breasts that have been thinly sliced and marinated in a sauce that is overflowing with umami flavours. The chicken is then expertly grilled or pan-fried, yielding a delicious outside crust and a moist, soft interior.

However, it doesn’t end there. The spicy and tangy Kung Pao sauce steals the stage and takes this sandwich to new heights. A symphony of flavours dances on your taste when soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic, and red chilli peppers are combined. The chicken absorbs the sauce’s spiciness, leaving your taste receptors with a wonderful tingle.

An abundance of vibrant vegetables joins the scene to complement the chicken. Imagine adding colourful carrots, crisp bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onions for a touch of freshness and delightful crunch. These vegetables not only give the sandwich brilliant colours, but they also offer a cooling counterpoint to the spiciness of the chicken.

Elevate your game and savour the perfect balance of boldness and delicacy your sandwich:

Ensure that the chicken breast is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking and make it easier to bite into the sandwich.
Before stir-frying the chicken, remove it from the marinade and let any excess sauce drip off. This will prevent the chicken from becoming too saucy or soggy during cooking.
If your skillet or wok is not large enough to accommodate all the chicken and vegetables in a single layer, cook them in batches. Overcrowding the pan can result in steaming instead of stir-frying, which may affect the texture and flavor.
To prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan, use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned wok. This will allow for easy tossing and flipping without the ingredients sticking or burning.
Let the filling cool slightly: Allow the Kung Pao chicken filling to cool for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich. This will prevent the heat from steaming the bread and help maintain its texture.
Toasting the bread or rolls lightly before assembling the sandwich can add a crispy texture and enhance the overall flavor.
Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Serves 4

Directions
Ingredients

Step 1

Slice thin strips from 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pour half of the Kung Pao marinade over the chicken strips and place them in a shallow dish.

Step 2

Give the chicken at least 15 minutes to marinate; if you want extra flavour, chill it for up to two hours.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet.

Step 4

Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and slightly caramelized. The marinade will create a flavorful glaze on the chicken, giving it a delicious coating.

Step 5

Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of diced onion in the same skillet after keeping the cooked chicken aside. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. The bell peppers should still retain some crunch while becoming slightly softened..

Step 6

Stir-fry for a further 1–2 minutes after adding 1/4 cup of unsalted peanuts to the skillet. In order to give the sandwich a satisfying crunch, the peanuts will be lightly roasted.

Step 7

Add the cooked chicken, veggies, and peanuts back to the skillet. Make sure everything is well covered by adding the Kung Pao sauce that was set aside.

Step 8

After thoroughly combining all the ingredients, give the mixture another two minutes to let the flavours blend.

Step 9

Slice the top and bottom halves of your choice bread or sandwich buns horizontally. Select ciabatta bread, crusty sandwich rolls, or any other bread that can retain the filling and offer a pleasant texture.

Step 10

Place a generous amount of the Kung Pao chicken and vegetable mixture onto each bottom half of the bread. Spread it evenly to cover the surface.

Step 11

Place the top halves of the bread on the filling and gently press down to secure the sandwich.

Step 12

Savour your mouthwatering Kung Pao Chicken Sandwich.

1 lb. (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2-3 tbs of Kung Pao Sauce
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup unsalted peanuts
4 crusty sandwich rolls or bread of your choice
Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What sort of bread or rolls work best for Kung Pao Chicken Sandwiches?

Pick rolls or bread that can hold the filling in place. Brioche buns, ciabatta, and crusty sandwich rolls are all suitable. To enhance texture and flavour, toasting or grilling the bread is an option.

Can the Kung Pao sauce be made milder?

Yes, you can change the spice level to suit your tastes. If you prefer a milder flavour, cut back on the red pepper flakes or skip them completely. To counteract the heat, you can also add a little more honey or lime juice.

Can I prepare the vegetables and Kung Pao Chicken in advance?

Even though it’s ideal to put the sandwich together right away, you can definitely prepare the vegetables and Kung Pao Chicken in advance. When you’re ready to serve them, warm them individually in the microwave before putting the sandwich together.

Can I make the Kung Pao Chicken Sandwiches vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives. For a vegan option, ensure that all the ingredients, including the sauces, are vegan-friendly and free from animal products.

Can I serve the Kung Pao Chicken filling as a salad instead of a sandwich?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, you can serve the Kung Pao Chicken and vegetables over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens as a flavorful salad. Drizzle the remaining Kung Pao sauce as a dressing and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added crunch.

Can I make gluten-free Kung Pao Chicken Sandwiches?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread or rolls to make the sandwiches. Moreover, make sure the hoisin sauce and soy sauce you use are gluten-free or choose gluten-free substitutes.

All Topics of Kung Pao

Kung Pao