You know, every now and then, a dish just sneaks into your heart and refuses to leave—like that catchy song you can’t stop humming. General Tso’s Chicken is that dish for me, a symphony of sweet and spicy that dances on the tongue. It’s a little rebellious, too, daring you to compare it to takeout and always winning, like the underdog in a feel-good movie.
Steps
- Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and coat them in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Set the coated chicken aside on a platter.
- In a separate bowl, mix together rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch to prepare the sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet with oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken in batches until both sides are golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the pan.
- Leave a little oil in the pan, then sauté minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, bring it to a simmer, and stir occasionally. Let it cook for a minute to allow the vinegar to reduce slightly.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, tossing it in the sauce to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup extra light olive oil, for frying, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (from a 2-inch piece)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional for garnish
- Rice vinegar
- Soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- Hoisin sauce
- Water
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for the Entire Recipe: 3088 kcal Calories | 144g Carbs | 160g Protein | 208g Fat | 48g Saturated Fat | N/A Polyunsaturated Fat | N/A Monounsaturated Fat | N/A Trans Fat | 888mg Cholesterol | 4016mg Sodium | 2320mg Potassium | 3.2g Fiber | 56g Sugar | 1304IU Vitamin A | 4mg Vitamin C | 160mg Calcium | 8mg Iron
FAQ
- What is General Tso’s Chicken?
- General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy and flavorful sauce. It’s similar to dishes like orange or sesame chicken, with its unique sauce setting it apart.
- Can I adjust the spiciness of General Tso’s Chicken?
- Yes, you can easily modify the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- What type of chicken should I use for the best flavor?
- Chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe as they provide the juiciest and most flavorful results, compared to chicken breast which can be drier.
- How can I ensure the chicken stays crispy?
- To keep the chicken crispy, use a non-stick pan and avoid overcrowding it. Cook the chicken in small batches to ensure even browning and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- How should I serve General Tso’s Chicken?
- General Tso’s Chicken is traditionally served over a bed of steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli. For a complete takeout-style meal, you might also consider serving it with chow mein or other Asian-inspired dishes.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: This recipe moves quickly, so having all your ingredients ready beforehand will allow you to add them seamlessly and keep the cooking process smooth.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ginger and garlic instead of powdered versions to enhance the authentic flavor of the dish.
- Cook in Small Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken. Cooking in smaller batches ensures even browning and prevents the chicken from sticking.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet – Essential for cooking the chicken and sauce without sticking.
- Whisk – Useful for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Garlic press or grater – Handy for mincing garlic if you want to make the process easier.
- Ginger grater – Useful for grating fresh ginger efficiently.
- Tongs – Helpful for turning chicken pieces while frying.
