Kung Pao Lentils

Name: Kung Pao Lentils
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dry brown lentils (washed and drained); 1 1/2 cups water; a generous pinch of salt; 2-3 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp dry sherry or rice wine; 1 tsp hoisin sauce (or use more soy sauce); 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2-3 tsp raw sugar (or use 1 to 2 Tbsp maple syrup or other sweetener); a generous dash of lime zest (1/4 tsp); 2 tsp cornstarch; 3 Tbsp water; 2 tsp grapeseed oil or other neutral oil; 1/2 cup chopped white or red onion; 4 dried red chilies like arbol or red chinese (broken into halfs (or use red pepper flakes to taste)); 1/2 teaspoon szechuan peppercorns (crushed in a mortar and pestle); 3 Tbsp cashews or peanuts; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch knob of ginger, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3/4 cup chopped celery; lemon juice and black pepper, for garnish

Instructions

Prep:10minCook:20min

Spicy, sweet, and sour Kung Pao Lentils come together with a delicious kung pao sauce, veggies, and cooked lentils. This is a super easy one pot, 30 minute weeknight dinner that is gluten-free and vegan. The earthy lentils and Asian flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce work perfect together. Serve these vegan lentils with brown rice to turn it into a complete meal!

Updated at: Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:15:58 GMT