General Tso chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is loved by many for its perfectly balanced flavors. This dish is characterized by crispy deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. If you’ve always wanted to make this delicious dish at home, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of cooking General Tso chicken that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

One of the keys to achieving the perfect General Tso chicken lies in the preparation. It is important to marinate the chicken prior to cooking to infuse it with flavor and ensure it stays moist and tender. You can use either boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe, depending on your preference.

Once the chicken is marinated, it is time to coat it in a light batter and fry it until it turns golden and crispy. The crispy chicken is then stir-fried with a flavorful sauce made from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of sweetness. The sauce coats the crispy chicken, giving it its distinctive taste.

Serve the General Tso chicken over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch. This dish is a crowd pleaser and is sure to impress your family and friends. So, why not give it a try and bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your home?

How to Cook General Tso Chicken

General Tso chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its sticky and sweet sauce combined with crispy chicken pieces. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make this delicious dish at home.

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Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook General Tso chicken:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a shallow bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. Drain the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Return the skillet to medium heat.
  6. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade General Tso chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. This delicious dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

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Ingredients for General Tso Chicken

Here are the key ingredients you will need to make General Tso Chicken:

– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

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– 1/2 cup cornstarch

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

– 2 tablespoons sugar

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– 2 tablespoons water

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– Vegetable oil, for frying

– 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Make sure you have all these ingredients before you start cooking your delicious General Tso Chicken!

Step-by-Step Instructions for General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
  3. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure they are well coated.

2. Make the sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth.

3. Fry the chicken:

  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Cook the sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Combine the chicken and sauce:

  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
  2. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
  3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

6. Serve:

  1. Transfer the General Tso Chicken to a serving dish.
  2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  3. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade General Tso Chicken!

Tips for Perfect General Tso Chicken

General Tso chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its sweet and spicy flavor. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect General Tso chicken at home:

1. Properly marinate the chicken

To ensure that the chicken is flavorful and tender, it is important to marinate it before cooking. Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and a pinch of sugar. Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors and make it more tender.

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2. Use cornstarch for a crispy coating

To achieve the signature crispy texture of General Tso chicken, coat the marinated chicken pieces with a mixture of cornstarch and flour. This will give the chicken a light and crispy coating when it is deep-fried. Make sure to shake off any excess coating before frying to avoid a heavy and greasy result.

3. Adjust the sauce to your taste

The sauce is what gives General Tso chicken its distinctive sweet and spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili sauce to make it more or less sweet or spicy according to your preference. Taste the sauce as you go and make adjustments to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic General Tso chicken dish in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of General Tso Chicken

Although General Tso chicken is a delicious and popular dish, it is important to note that it is not typically considered a healthy option. However, there are some potential health benefits that can be derived from eating this dish in moderation.

1. Protein

One of the main ingredients in General Tso chicken is chicken itself, which is a great source of protein. Protein is essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of the body’s tissues and cells. It is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight and promoting muscle growth.

2. Nutrients

While General Tso chicken is often fried and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, it still contains some nutrients. The dish usually includes vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. These vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

However, it is worth noting that the health benefits of General Tso chicken can easily be overshadowed by its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. It is important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet to fully appreciate its flavors without compromising your health.

FAQs about General Tso Chicken

Here are some commonly asked questions about General Tso Chicken:

  • What is General Tso Chicken?

    General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that features deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty general.

  • Is General Tso Chicken spicy?

    Yes, General Tso Chicken is typically spicy. The dish uses dried red chili peppers to add heat to the sauce. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference.

  • Can I make General Tso Chicken without frying?

    While the traditional recipe calls for deep-frying the chicken, you can also try baking or air-frying the chicken for a healthier alternative. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delicious.

  • What goes well with General Tso Chicken?

    General Tso Chicken is often served with steamed rice as a main dish. It can also be paired with stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to create a more well-rounded meal.

  • How long does it take to cook General Tso Chicken?

    The cooking time for General Tso Chicken may vary depending on the recipe and method used. Generally, it takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook the dish.

  • Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

    Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for General Tso Chicken. Thigh meat tends to be juicier and more flavorful, which can enhance the taste of the dish.

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These are just some of the frequently asked questions about General Tso Chicken. Experiment with different recipes and techniques to find your own favorite version of this delicious dish!

FAQ

What is General Tso chicken?

General Tso chicken is a popular Chinese dish made with breaded and deep-fried chicken pieces, coated in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce.

How do you make General Tso chicken at home?

To make General Tso chicken at home, you will need chicken breasts or thighs, flour, cornstarch, eggs, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and vegetable oil for frying. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coating them in a mixture of flour and cornstarch. Then, dip the coated chicken in beaten eggs and fry until golden brown. In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes to make the sauce. Cook the sauce until it thickens, then add the fried chicken and toss until well coated. Serve with rice or noodles.

Is General Tso chicken spicy?

Yes, General Tso chicken is typically slightly spicy. The sauce used to coat the chicken includes ingredients like red chili flakes, which give it a bit of heat. However, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less chili flakes.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat instead of chicken to make General Tso dish. Some common alternatives include shrimp, tofu, or pork. The cooking time and method may vary depending on the meat you choose, so make sure to adjust accordingly.

How long does it take to cook General Tso chicken?

The total cooking time for General Tso chicken will depend on various factors such as the size of the chicken pieces, the heat of the oil, and the cooking method. Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare the chicken and the sauce, and another 10-15 minutes to fry the chicken. So, in total, it should take around 30-45 minutes to cook General Tso chicken.