宫保鸡丁 Meaning
/gōng bǎo jī dīng/
- casual
Gong Bao Ji Ding, or Kung Pao Chicken, is a classic Sichuan-style dish consisting of diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. The mental image is a vibrant, savory plate that balances the "mala" (numbing and spicy) profile with a hint of sweetness and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts. It is one of the most recognizable Chinese dishes globally and a staple in home cooking and casual dining. While the original Sichuan version emphasizes the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns, many international variations are milder. It is often served as a main dish alongside steamed white rice.
宫保鸡丁 in Conversation
Ordering at a restaurant
- A: 我们点一份宫保鸡丁怎么样？How about we order a Kung Pao Chicken?
- B: 好啊，我正好想吃点带辣味的。Sure, I was just in the mood for something spicy.
Suggesting a dish for a shared meal.
Discussing home cooking
- A: 你觉得宫保鸡丁难做吗？Do you think Kung Pao Chicken is hard to make?
- B: 其实只要火候掌握好，花生米别炒糊就行。Actually, as long as you manage the heat well and don't burn the peanuts, it's fine.
Discussing the technical aspects of cooking the dish.
Examples
我最喜欢吃宫保鸡丁。
My favorite dish is Kung Pao Chicken.
/wǒ zuì xǐ huān chī gōng bǎo jī dīng./
这里的宫保鸡丁做得非常地道。
The Kung Pao Chicken here is made very authentically.
/zhè lǐ de gōng bǎo jī dīng zuò de fēi cháng dì dào./
宫保鸡丁的精髓在于花生米的酥脆和酱汁的酸甜口。
The essence of Kung Pao Chicken lies in the crunchiness of the peanuts and the sweet and sour balance of the sauce.
/gōng bǎo jī dīng de jīng suǐ zài yú huā shēng mǐ de sū cuì hé jiàng zhī de suān tián kǒu./