Introduction and Quick Summary

General Tso’s chicken is a beloved dish that many people associate with their favorite Chinese restaurants. This flavorful meal features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, often served with broccoli or steamed rice. The combination of crunchy textures and bold flavors makes it a popular choice for family dinners and gatherings. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this iconic dish at home, you’re in luck! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making authentic General Tso’s chicken from scratch.

The best part about preparing this dish at home is that you can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer it spicier or sweeter, you’ll have complete control over the ingredients. Plus, cooking at home allows you to enjoy freshly made food without the wait or expense of takeout. In just a few simple steps, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious recipe.

Join us as we explore the main ingredients needed for an incredible General Tso’s chicken and provide detailed instructions on how to prepare this delightful meal. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Main Ingredients

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast serves as the star ingredient in General Tso’s chicken. You’ll need about one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. The meat should be cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Chicken breast is not only lean but also absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for marinating in sauces. It provides a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating created during frying.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch plays a crucial role in achieving that iconic crunch when frying the chicken pieces. You’ll require about half a cup of cornstarch to coat the chicken before frying. This ingredient helps create an extra crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and juicy. For those who prefer gluten-free options, cornstarch is an excellent alternative to flour.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the dish. You will need around three tablespoons of soy sauce for marinating the chicken as well as for adding flavor to the sauce itself. It contributes both saltiness and richness that enhances each bite of General Tso’s chicken. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar balances out the sweetness of the sauce with its mild acidity. You will use approximately two tablespoons in your marinade and cooking process. Its light flavor complements other ingredients without overpowering them while adding an essential tang that brightens up the dish.

Sugar

Sugar is key to creating that signature sweet and savory profile found in General Tso’s chicken. About two tablespoons will suffice for this recipe; it caramelizes during cooking and contributes to the glossy finish of the sauce. Using brown sugar can add additional depth due to its molasses content.

Garlic

Garlic brings aromatic qualities that enhance overall flavor complexity in this dish. You will need about three cloves minced garlic for both marinating the meat and adding to the sauce mixture later on during preparation. Garlic pairs perfectly with soy sauce and adds an irresistible fragrance when cooked.

Ginger

Fresh ginger offers warmth and spice that elevate your General Tso’s chicken experience significantly! Use around one tablespoon grated ginger root; its sharpness beautifully complements sweet elements like sugar while harmonizing with savory flavors present throughout.

How to Prepare General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating your prepared chicken pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have time). This step infuses each piece with rich flavors while tenderizing them too! Make sure all sides are evenly coated before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring into a sealable bag.

While marinating, consider prepping any side dishes you want to serve alongside your meal such as steamed rice or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers; they pair nicely together! Once ready after marination time has passed—drain excess liquid off but do not rinse—this ensures maximum flavor retention during frying!

Step 2: Coat Chicken Pieces

After draining off excess marinade from your chicken pieces—now comes one of my favorite parts—the coating! Place half a cup of cornstarch into another bowl; working one piece at a time—coat each thoroughly until evenly covered before transferring onto parchment paper lined baking sheet/tray (this prevents sticking). Make sure they’re not overcrowded on tray so they fry properly later on without clumping together!

Let them rest for about 10 minutes allowing moisture absorption which helps achieve crispiness once fried; don’t skip this step! While waiting feel free prep any garnishes like sesame seeds or sliced green onions—these add texture/color when serving up final product!

Step 3: Frying Process

Heat vegetable oil (about one cup) in deep skillet/wok over medium-high heat until shimmering hot but not smoking (around 350°F/175°C). Gently place several coated pieces into pan ensuring there’s enough space between each piece; avoid crowding which leads steaming instead of frying—this results into soggy outcome rather than desired crispiness!

Fry them until golden brown on all sides (about 5–7 minutes), flipping occasionally using tongs/spatula carefully—not too aggressively though! Once done remove from oil draining excess grease using paper towels placed on tray/plate set aside temporarily while repeating process batches until all batches completed.

Step 4: Prepare Sauce

Now let’s create our deliciously sticky/sweet sauce! In small saucepan combine remaining soy sauce (about three tablespoons), rice vinegar (two tablespoons), sugar (two tablespoons), along with minced garlic & grated ginger used earlier along side water/cornstarch slurry mixture made by mixing equal parts cold water & cornstarch—this thickens once heated through!

Bring mixture gently simmering over medium-low heat stirring constantly until slightly thickened/combined nicely—usually takes around 3-5 minutes depending how thickened desired consistency preferred most (you might want something thicker!). Once ready remove from heat then drizzle generously over fried crispy-chicken pieces tossing gently ensuring full coverage across surfaces evenly distributing everything equally throughout!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

General Tso’s Chicken is best served immediately after preparation—crispy texture tends fade away if left too long uncovered resting too much time! Serve piping hot atop fluffy white rice garnished optional toppings such as sliced green onions/sesame seeds sprinkle across surface visually appealing presentation style enhancing overall taste experience enjoyable!

Pair it alongside steamed broccoli/bok choy providing balance nutrition-wise while adding delightful color contrast visually which makes every bite exciting especially main highlight being delectable flavorful-chicken itself! If looking something lighter feel free substitute traditional rice option with cauliflower rice instead keeping calories low without sacrificing flavor satisfaction levels enjoyed previously here today!

Storage Guidelines

Leftover General Tso’s Chicken can safely store within refrigerator airtight container lasting up three days max freshness retained ideally; however texture loss may occur so reheat before eating again! To reheat simply microwave portions needing heating up covered plate microwaving short intervals checking regularly until warmed through evenly avoiding overheating toughening meat texture ruining taste experience altogether!

For longer-term storage consider freezing cooked-chicken portions placing freezer bags removing excess air sealing tightly preserving quality lasting up four months max before losing flavors becoming less enjoyable after thawing out later down line once needed again consumer usage arises continuing culinary adventures ahead deliciously prepared dishes like these ones shared here today…

Mistakes to avoid

When making General Tso’s chicken, there are several common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. One frequent error is not marinating the chicken long enough. Marination infuses flavor and tenderness, so allow the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer. Skipping this step leads to bland meat that lacks depth.

Another mistake is using the wrong cut of chicken. While many people opt for breast meat due to its low fat content, dark meat such as thighs offers more flavor and moisture. Thighs also hold up better during cooking and prevent dryness. Therefore, consider using boneless thighs for a more flavorful dish.

A third pitfall is neglecting the frying oil temperature. When frying the chicken, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the exterior will burn before the interior cooks through; if it’s too cool, your chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of chicken to ensure proper temperature.

Lastly, many cooks overlook the importance of balancing flavors in the sauce. General Tso’s chicken should have a harmonious mix of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. Failing to taste and adjust your sauce can result in an unbalanced dish that doesn’t excite the palate.

Tips and tricks

To achieve perfect General Tso’s chicken, consider these helpful tips and tricks. First, always double-coat your chicken pieces before frying. Dredging them in cornstarch after dipping them in egg creates an added layer of crispiness that enhances texture. This extra crunch is essential for an authentic experience.

Second, use fresh ingredients for your sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger provide vibrant flavor compared to their dried counterparts. When preparing your sauce, sauté these aromatics briefly before adding other ingredients like soy sauce or sugar. This technique releases their essential oils and amplifies flavor.

Another useful trick is to prepare your sauce ahead of time. Mixing together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chili flakes allows flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on cooking your chicken. This pre-preparation saves time during cooking and ensures everything comes together seamlessly.

Finally, garnish your dish thoughtfully before serving it. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions adds visual appeal while also introducing additional layers of flavor. These simple additions can elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Suggestions for General Tso’s chicken

When crafting your General Tso’s chicken dish, several suggestions can enhance both taste and presentation. First and foremost, consider serving it with jasmine rice or fried rice instead of plain white rice. The fragrant jasmine rice complements the dish perfectly while absorbing extra sauce.

Next, think about incorporating vegetables into your meal for added nutrition and color. Broccoli or bell peppers work well when stir-fried alongside the chicken for a vibrant addition that balances textures and flavors beautifully.

Another suggestion is experimenting with heat levels in your sauce to find what suits your palate best. If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even some Szechuan peppercorns for an exciting kick that brings out intense flavors.

You may also want to serve General Tso’s chicken family-style on a large platter rather than individual plates for a communal dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation at mealtime.

FAQs

What is General Tso’s chicken?

General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring battered and fried chunks of chicken tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, vinegar, and often dried red chilies. It has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants across North America due to its rich flavors and appealing presentation.

How do I make General Tso’s chicken healthier?

To create a healthier version of General Tso’s chicken without sacrificing flavor, consider baking or air frying instead of deep frying the chicken pieces. Additionally, you can substitute some ingredients in the sauce with lower-sodium soy sauce or reduce sugar content by using honey or natural sweeteners as alternatives.

Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

Yes! For those looking for vegetarian options or simply wanting to reduce meat consumption without losing flavor, tofu serves as an excellent substitute for chicken in General Tso’s recipes. Firm tofu holds up well during cooking when marinated properly beforehand.

What are some side dishes that pair well with General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes such as steamed jasmine rice or fried rice loaded with vegetables like peas or carrots. You could also serve it alongside stir-fried broccoli or bok choy for added greens on your plate while maintaining balance between savory flavors.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftover General Tso’s Chicken properly: let it cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container within two hours after serving time frame has passed; this helps keep bacteria at bay! Refrigerate tightly sealed containers up to four days maximum; reheating should be done thoroughly until piping hot throughout but avoid overcooking which may dry out textures.

What if my sauce turns out too thick?

If you find yourself with an overly thick sauce after preparation: simply add water one tablespoon at a time while stirring continuously until desired consistency returns! Alternatively using broth enhances flavors further without adding excess calories compared to oils used typically when thinning sauces down accordingly!

Conclusion

In summary, creating delicious General Tso’s Chicken involves avoiding common mistakes such as inadequate marination time and using improper cuts of meat while ensuring proper frying techniques are followed closely throughout preparation stages.

By applying helpful tips like double-coating the battering process along with utilizing fresh ingredients within sauces not only enhances overall taste profiles significantly but also leads towards improved presentation through garnishing strategies utilized effectively upon completion before serving meals shared among loved ones gathered around tables together enjoying delightful culinary experiences created within kitchens everywhere!

Delicious General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

---

• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A flavorful, crispy, and sweet-and-spicy Chinese dish, General Tso’s Chicken is a crowd-pleaser! Tender chicken pieces are fried to perfection and coated in a rich, tangy sauce that’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. A great choice for a homemade takeout experience!

 

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1. 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. ½ cup cornstarch
3. 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
6. 3 tbsp soy sauce
7. 3 tbsp rice vinegar
8. 2 tbsp sugar
9. 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
10. 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
11. 1 tsp sesame oil
12. 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
13. 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Coat the chicken pieces evenly in cornstarch, making sure they are fully covered.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking until golden and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer.
5. Add the fried chicken back to the pan and toss until well-coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice and enjoy!

 

Notes

• Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spice level.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes