If you are a fan of spicy and delicious Chinese cuisine, you must try out this vegan Kung Pao chicken recipe. This recipe is easy to make and takes only a few minutes to prepare. Best of all, this dish is healthy and packed with plant-based protein. One serving of this vegan Kung Pao chicken (2.5 oz) contains only 205 calories.

Along with being low in calories, this dish is also a great source of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium. The primary ingredient in this dish is seitan, which is a plant-based protein made from wheat gluten. The dish is also loaded with veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and celery.

This vegan Kung Pao chicken recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional meat-based Chinese dishes. Now, let's dive into the ingredients and recipe for this fantastic dish.

Ingredients

To make this vegan Kung Pao chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz seitan, cut into small pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp chili paste
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making vegan Kung Pao chicken:

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over high heat.
2. Add the seitan to the pan and sauté until slightly browned on all sides.
3. Remove the seitan from the pan and set aside.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, corn starch, and vegetable broth.
5. In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, and celery to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
8. Add the seitan back to the pan and mix everything together.
9. Stir in the soy sauce mixture, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili paste, and maple syrup.
10. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes.
11. Garnish with roasted peanuts and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving (2.5 oz) of vegan Kung Pao chicken:

• 205 calories
• 9 g protein
• 21 g carbohydrates
• 10 g fat
• 3 g fiber
• 524 mg sodium

Calorie Breakdown

The calorie breakdown of this dish is as follows:

• Protein - 16%
• Carbohydrates - 41%
• Fat - 43%

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Kung Pao chicken can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or noodles. You can also pair it with vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy. Alternatively, you can serve it as an appetizer or snack to share with friends and family.

Meal Pairings

This vegan Kung Pao chicken goes well with the following meal pairings:

• Brown rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Mango or pineapple salsa
• Vegetable spring rolls
• Green salad with a citrus dressing

Taste Profile

This vegan Kung Pao chicken is bursting with flavors and textures. The dish is spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet. The seitan provides a chewy and meaty texture, while the roasted peanuts add a crunchy element to the dish. The dish has a bold and robust taste that will leave you feeling satisfied and full.

Vegan Alternatives

If you are unable to find seitan, or if you prefer a different plant-based protein, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use in this dish. Some of the options include:

• Tempeh
• Tofu
• Jackfruit
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Mushrooms

Cooking Variations

There are a few variations that you can make to this vegan Kung Pao chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Use different vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste
• Add more maple syrup for a sweeter taste
• Use cashews instead of roasted peanuts

Health Benefits

This vegan Kung Pao chicken is packed with health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of this dish:

• Great source of plant-based protein
• Low in calories
• Rich in vitamins and minerals
• Loaded with fiber
• May improve heart health