General Tso’s chicken, a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to say, is the epitome of American Chinese cuisine. Crispy chunks of chicken are wok-tossed with a sweet and spicy sauce that’s absolutely addictive. While the origins of the dish are a bit mysterious, the appeal of General Tso’s chicken is crystal clear—it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that has made it a beloved staple in Chinese restaurants across the United States.
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe:
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
To garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are well-coated. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs.
- Heat a large amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Stir in sesame oil and red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
General Tso’s chicken is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a delightful way to bring a touch of takeout luxury to your dining table. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Whether you’re a spice lover or just in the mood for something sweet and savory, this dish can be tailored to your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!