Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (CPK Copycat)

Ingredients · for 4 (scales to your household)

• 1 cup chicken stock $0.53
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (sauce) $0.16
• 3/4 cup soy sauce $2.13
• 1/2 cup sherry $2.00
• 3 tablespoons chili paste with garlic $0.86
• 1/4 cup sugar $0.07
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar $0.17
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil $0.95
• 2 egg whites $0.60
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (chicken coating) $0.16
• 1/2 teaspoon salt $0.03
• 1 lb spaghetti $3.06
• 1/4 cup olive oil $0.77
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in 3/4-inch cubes $6.80
• 10 whole Chinese dried red chili peppers $2.25
• 1 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts $1.30
• 1/4 cup minced garlic $0.21
• 3 cups coarsely-chopped scallions, greens and whites $7.09

Per-ingredient cost is the amount this recipe uses at the lowest Canadian price we have on file; the per-serving total above adds the range up to the dearest price and for buying whole packages.

Method

1. TO MAKE THE KUNG PAO SAUCE:
2. In a saucepan, whisk together the chicken stock and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, sherry, chili paste, sugar, red wine vinegar and sesame oil and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 20 minutes).
5. TO MAKE EGG WHITE-CORNSTARCH MIXTURE:
6. In a mixing bowl, use a whisk to stir together the 2 egg whites, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until blended but not frothy.
7. TO BRING THE DISH TOGETHER:
8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta and cook a minute shy of al dente.
9. In a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil for about 1 minute.
10. Add the chicken to the Egg White-Cornstarch Mixture and mix.
11. As carefully as you can, add the chicken and egg white mixture to the pan in one large pancake shape.
12. Cook until the egg mixture sets.
13. Using a large spatula, carefully flip it over then with a wooden spoon, gently separate the pieces.
14. As soon as they darken in color (about a minute) stir in the garlic and scallions.
15. Let the garlic and scallions cook for about 30 seconds (do not brown the garlic, it will get bitter) add the Kung Pao Sauce and toss and stir to coat the ingredients.
16. Add in the cooked and drained pasta and combine with the sauce.
17. If you pan isn’t big enough, combine them in a big bowl.
18. Add in the Chinese peppers and roasted peanuts into the bowl.

Per serving