General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. This delectable dish features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a favorite in many households and restaurants due to its unique flavor profile.
Hello! I’m Alixa, the author of the blog Brightermeal. For those who follow me, you know that I thrive on creating easy meals with basic ingredients. Though my family loves Chinese takeout, I’ve recently been enjoying the challenge of recreating our favorite dishes in our own kitchen.
Homemade “takeout” is not only healthier but also saves you money. That’s a win-win in my book. So, Let’s get started!
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring breaded and fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy sauce. Similar to sesame or orange chicken, the unique flavor of the sauce sets it apart.
Usually, General Tso’s Chicken is served over steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli. For a complete takeout-inspired meal, So, try making some chow mein as well. And don’t forget the chopsticks!
How to Make General Tso’s Sauce:
The sauce for General Tso’s chicken is easy to make using pantry staples: rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch to thicken it. Just add all the ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined.
How to Prepare General Tso’s Chicken
Don’t feel overwhelmed about making your own General Tso’s Chicken! It’s incredibly simple, and once you try it, you won’t go back to ordering takeout. Just follow these straightforward steps to master it every time:
- Firstly, Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and coat them with cornstarch.
- Cook the chicken until all sides are golden brown.
- Then, Remove the chicken from the pan.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes in the pan.
- Add the sauce and bring it to a simmer, then add the chicken back in.
- Toss the chicken to evenly coat each piece with the sauce.
- finally, Serve hot to eager diners!
Tips for the Best Tso’s Chicken
- Firstly, Prepare your ingredients in advance. This recipe moves quickly, so having everything ready to go will help you keep up.
- Then, Adjust the spice level to your liking. Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preference for heat.
- Then, Always use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. While powdered versions may be tempting, fresh ingredients are key to authentic Chinese cuisine.
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. This recipe pairs perfectly with hoisin sauce, which is rich and savory.
- For the most flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Thighs are juicier and more tender when pan-fried.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken. Work in batches or use a large pan to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Use a non-stick pan to maintain the integrity of the chicken coating. This will help it stay crispy and intact.
- Hot Tip: Serve General Tso’s Chicken immediately for the best taste and texture. The sauce can make the crispy coating soggy if left to sit too long.
Ingredients You’ll Need for general tsos chicken
Main Ingredients for general tsos chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 4-6 dried red chilies
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Ingredients
- Broccoli florets
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Substitutions and Variations For general tsos chicken
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. For a healthier option, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. Vegetarians can use tofu or cauliflower.
Equipment Needed for general tsos chicken
Kitchen Tools for general tsos chicken
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Chicken
firstly, Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. than Marinate with soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes. This ensures the chicken remains tender and flavorful.
Making the Sauce
So, Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Then, Adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference.
Cooking the Vegetables
If using, sauté the broccoli and bell peppers until tender but crisp. Set aside.
Cooking Instructions for general tsos chicken
Frying the Chicken
Heat oil in the wok. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
So, In the same wok, heat a small amount of oil. Add dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger. Cook until aromatic. Then, Add the sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
Final Touches
So, Add sautéed vegetables if using. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Tips
Serve General Tso’s Chicken over steamed white rice. Garnish with fresh herbs for a colorful presentation.
Accompaniments
This dish pairs well with fried rice, steamed vegetables, or noodle dishes.
Nutritional Information
Healthier Modifications
Reduce sugar and oil to make a lighter version. Opt for baking instead of frying to cut down on calories.
Tips and Tricks for general tsos chicken
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Marinate the chicken well to keep it juicy. So, Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy chicken.
Balancing Flavors
Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. Adjust the seasoning to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy.
Variations of General Tso’s Chicken
Healthier Versions
Consider baking or air frying the chicken for a healthier option. Use less sugar and soy sauce to reduce sodium and calories.
Regional Twists
So, Add local spices and ingredients to give a regional twist to the dish. Experiment with different types of peppers for a varied flavor.
Vegetarian and Vegan Versions
Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken. Cauliflower also works well as a vegetarian alternative.
Faqs About General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
General Tso’s sauce is typically made from a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sometimes dried red chilies or chili flakes for heat. Cornstarch is often added to thicken the sauce.
General Tso’s chicken batter is commonly made from a simple mixture of cornstarch and sometimes a bit of flour or baking powder to help create a crispy coating when the chicken is fried. Some recipes may also include egg whites or a marinade for added flavor and texture.
General Tso’s Chicken typically contains bite-sized pieces of chicken (often boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts) that are coated in a crispy batter made from cornstarch. The chicken is then fried until golden brown and crispy. The sauce for General Tso’s Chicken is usually a savory and slightly sweet mixture made from ingredients such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sometimes dried red chilies for heat. The fried chicken pieces are tossed in this flavorful sauce, creating a delicious sweet and tangy dish. It is often served with steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
General Tso’s Chicken is popular for its bold flavor, crispy texture, and comforting appeal. Its versatile nature, familiarity, and ease of preparation contribute to its widespread popularity among food lovers worldwide.
Conclusion
finally, General tsos chicken is a delightful dish that combines the best of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a perfect choice for a homemade meal that can impress family and friends. So, Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 4-6 dried red chilies
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening the sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic, ginger, and chilies.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the fried chicken back into the pan.
- Stir to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- If desired, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables. Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken!
Notes
Nutrition
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