why make this recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy chicken with a rich and flavorful sauce. It offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little kick of spice. Making this dish at home allows you to enjoy it fresh, customize the flavors to your liking, and skip any unwanted additives found in takeout versions. It’s a fun and rewarding way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.
how to make General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
Creating General Tso’s Chicken may seem complex, but it is quite straightforward if you follow these steps:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare Coating: In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Toss the marinated chicken pieces into the mixture, coating them thoroughly.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté remaining garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Simmer: Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
These steps will help you create an incredible dish that captures the essence of General Tso’s Chicken.
how to serve General Tso’s Chicken
Serve General Tso’s Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or alongside fried rice. You can also add some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to have extra napkins ready, as it’s sure to be a hit!
how to store General Tso’s Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
tips to make General Tso’s Chicken
- For a crispier texture, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the cornstarch-flour mixture twice.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Experiment with the sauce by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of orange juice for a different twist.
variation
You can make a healthier version of General Tso’s Chicken by baking instead of frying the chicken. Simply coat the chicken as usual, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. They will also work well in this recipe.
2. Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
It has a bit of spice from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook and combine them just before serving.
