General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy fried chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy sauce. This classic Chinese-American dish is known for its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. With its perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice, it’s no wonder that General Tso’s Chicken is a favorite at restaurants and home kitchens alike.
Why Make This Recipe
Making General Tso’s Chicken at home has its perks. Not only can you customize the spice level of the sauce to suit your taste, but you also get the satisfaction of creating this restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, ensuring that you don’t spend all day in the kitchen.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken
Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make delicious General Tso’s Chicken in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs.
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- In the same pan, add the sauce mixture, bring to a simmer, then add the fried chicken back to the pan.
- Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken
To serve General Tso’s Chicken, place a generous portion on a plate and garnish with chopped green onions for an extra burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles, making for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also include a side of stir-fried vegetables to incorporate some freshness into your plate.
How to Store General Tso’s Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in a pan over medium heat. You may want to add a splash of water to the pan to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make General Tso’s Chicken
- Coat Well: Make sure to fully coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch; this will give them a great crispy texture.
- Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Adjust Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Variations
- Protein Swap: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different take on the dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just fry the chicken and make the sauce, then assemble before serving.
2. What can I serve alongside General Tso’s Chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables.
3. Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
The spice level can vary based on the amount of red pepper flakes you use. You can adjust it to your preference or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to enjoy this delicious homemade General Tso’s Chicken. Happy cooking!
General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Coating
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch For coating the chicken
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup oil, for frying Use enough oil for deep frying
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
Garnish
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs.
Cooking
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- In the same pan, add the sauce mixture, bring to a simmer, then add the fried chicken back to the pan.
- Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
