

To create a keto-friendly kung pao chicken, try substituting the following: The main ingredients – chicken, peanuts, and vegetables – are keto-friendly, but many of the sauces and seasonings used in traditional kung pao chicken recipes contain added sugars and starches. To do this, you will need to make a few substitutions to the traditional dish. You can eat kung pao chicken on a keto diet, but it should be prepared without added sugars or starches. It all depends on how it is prepared and the ingredients used. Therefore, it’s important to note that while kung pao has the potential to be relatively high in fat and calories, it also has the potential to be a healthier option. The addition of peanuts can also add some healthy fats and protein to the dish. However, if it is made with lean chicken, a minimal amount of oil, and fresh vegetables, it can be somewhat healthier than some of the other popular Chinese dishes available. If the dish is made with an excessive amount of oil and served with fried rice, it will be quite fattening.

Generally speaking, the higher the oil content, the higher the fat and calorie content will be.

While kung pao may be delicious, its nutritional value depends upon the way it’s prepared and the ingredients used.Īs a dish that contains chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, kung pao can be relatively high in fat and calories, depending on how it is prepared. It is highly flavorful and a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. Kung pao, also known as Gong Bao or Kung Po, is a spicy Chinese dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. Some restaurants may add a bit of sugar to balance out the flavors or make it more palatable for certain palates, but for the most part, you’ll find that kung pao chicken does not have a lot of sugar. While the ingredients can vary from restaurant to restaurant, the typical kung pao chicken dish does not frequently include sugar. Kung pao chicken is a popular Chinese dish featuring chicken, dried chili peppers, peanuts, and a savory, spicy sauce that is usually made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir in the sauce and cook until it thickens.ĪDD CHICKEN AND PEANUTS: Place the cooked chicken back in the pan along with the peanuts, and toss to coat.No, kung pao chicken typically does not have a lot of sugar. Stir in the vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the pan.ĬOOK VEGGIES: Add the sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and peppercorns. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Saute the chicken on all sides until it is cooked entirely. SAUTE CHICKEN: Drain the marinade from the chicken and heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. MAKE THE KUNG PAO SAUCE: Whisk together the remaining wine or sherry, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and rice vinegar, then set aside. Pour over the chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Whisk together a tablespoon of soy sauce, a tablespoon of Shaoxing wine or sherry, the baking soda, and a tablespoon of cornstarch. MARINADE: Pat the chicken dry and place it in a bowl.

#Panda express kung pao chicken nutrition how to#
How to Make the Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Copycat Recipe Before You Start: Gather all of the seasonings, chop the vegetables, and dice the chicken.
