Question: What Beverages Pair Well with Kung Pao Chicken?
Kung Pao Chicken is notorious for being one of those "hot and spicy" Chinese dishes and is usually one of the spicier of the spicy. However, it doesn't have to be a burning hot dish and, as in Rhonda Parkinson's recipe for Kung Pao, there is a balance between spice and taste that can be achieved. Still, there is a considerable amount of spice in this dish and it is a delicate task to find the perfect drinks that not only accent the food, but quench the heat. We have taken on the challenge have a few drink recommendations for your next Kung Pao venture, whether you make it yourself or order out.
Answer:
- Beer Suggestions:
This particular Kung Pao Chicken recipe is rather tame compared to some that I've had. Many Chinese restaurants like to place this dish on the fiery end of their menu. But even with the heat a little more tamed down like it is here the dish is spicy and complex and deserves a beer that can stand up to it. My style choice for Kung Pao Chicken is American India Pale Ale, the hoppier the better. The bright, bitter hops cleanse the palate nicely. The lingering hoppiness blends wonderfully with the peanuts and ginger in the next bite. Most importantly American IPA never waivers in the presence of tasty Chinese dishes like this one where other beers will quickly turn to water. - Wine Suggestions:
When it comes to pairing wines with Asian fare, and Kung Pao Chicken in particular - go with a spicy, aromatic Gewurztraminer or an off-dry to dry Riesling. The acidity and residual sugars along with the moderate alcohol content of these wines, help to keep the dominate flavors and spice in balance. Specific wines to try include the 2007 Covey Run Gewurztraminer ($9) or Pacific Rim's Dry Riesling ($9) with a beautiful blend of 20% German Riesling and 80% Washington Riesling. Chateau Ste. Michelle's "Dr. Loosen Eroica" Riesling would be another sure fire wine pairing for Kung Pao Chicken. This wine is the result of a noteable partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Germany's Ernst Loosen - an absolutely delicious Riesling wine find! Perfect for taming the heat and lifting a touch of the sweet in this Kung Pao Chicken recipe. - Cocktail Suggestions:
Sake is the typical go-to when it comes to pairing with most Asian foods and, while a carefully crafted Saketini does pair nicely with most, spicier dishes like Kung Pao require something a bit sweeter to offset the heat. Ideally, this sweet side can come from lychee, pomegranate, mango and other "exotic" fruits. Short, neat drinks like the Lotus Blossom and Moroccan Cocktail are ideal with their semi-dry, semi-sweet profile and the light fruit flavors can calm the spicy notes of the Kung Pao. The same theory stands behind the Red Lotus and Mango Tonic, but these are taller and more refreshing just in case you need a bit more to extinguish the fire of the chicken.
