Kung Pao Sauce

Kung Pao sauce is a multi-purpose condiment that is commonly used in a variety of dishes, but most popularly recognised for its contribution to the Chinese classic, Kung Pao Chicken. It can be used as a marinade, stir-fry additive or simply as a sauce when cooking or eating. While it's quite straightforward to use, common mistakes are often seen in its preparation and pairing. Some people tend to compromise the portion of chili peppers, fearing its spiciness, which results in losing the true essence of Kung Pao Sauce; it's supposed to have a little kick to it! Leave the seeds in the chili peppers if you're really adventurous. To get the most of it, ensure high-quality ingredients are used and balanced well. And don't limit this sauce to just oriental dishes! Experiment and get creative, since Kung Pao Sauce can also go surprisingly well on pizza, pasta or even burgers. A little known hack is to add a pinch of orange zest to subtly enhance the flavor profile of this sauce. More often than not, this can be the missing ingredient that restaurants don't tell you about.