Szechuan Cuisine Dished Up at Kung Pao in Bridgeport
A Taste of the Year of the Snake
The Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and share traditional meals. One of the most iconic and flavorful cuisines is Szechuan, known for its bold, spicy, and oily flavors. Kung Pao, a restaurant in Bridgeport, is a haven for Szechuan food lovers.
A Unique Flavor Profile
Unlike other Chinese cuisines, Szechuan is characterized by its use of green and brown peppercorns, which provide a tongue-tingling numbness. This unique flavor profile sets Szechuan cuisine apart from others. “The Szechuan, basically, the Szechuan people, we like spicy, which makes life – life is spicy too,” said Perry Zhao, the manager at Szechuan Alley.
Dan Dan Noodles
One of the signature dishes at Kung Pao is the Dan Dan Noodles. This dish is made with a creamy peanut and sesame sauce, amplified by a pair of different chili oils. The noodles are topped with crunchy bok choy and mild ground pork. Be sure to combine everything at the table for the full flavor experience.
Green Peppercorn Fish Fillet
The Green Peppercorn Fish Fillet is another popular dish at Kung Pao. The fish is boiled and then tossed with Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, and scallions, giving it a characteristic called málà. The dish is finished with a flash-fried mixture of jalapeños and green peppercorns, adding an extra layer of spice and numbingness.
Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a classic Szechuan dish made with aromatic garlic, ginger, and chilies, plus peppercorns. The dish is primed for cubes of mild tofu and can be customized with ground pork and cumin. Like many dishes on the menu, mapo tofu offers a pleasure in the form of steady heat and a gentle-but-assertive numbing.
Conclusion
Kung Pao is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine. With its unique flavor profile and extensive menu, there’s something for every palate. And for those on the North Shore, there’s good news – Kung Pao’s owners are opening a sister restaurant called Bowl of Fortune in Wheeling soon.
FAQs
* What is Szechuan cuisine known for?
+ Szechuan cuisine is known for its bold, spicy, and oily flavors, with a focus on green and brown peppercorns.
* What is the unique flavor profile of Szechuan cuisine?
+ The unique flavor profile of Szechuan cuisine is characterized by its use of green and brown peppercorns, which provide a tongue-tingling numbness.
* What is the Dan Dan Noodles dish?
+ The Dan Dan Noodles dish is a signature dish at Kung Pao, made with a creamy peanut and sesame sauce, amplified by a pair of different chili oils, and topped with crunchy bok choy and mild ground pork.
* Is the Green Peppercorn Fish Fillet a popular dish?
+ Yes, the Green Peppercorn Fish Fillet is one of the most popular dishes at Kung Pao.
