General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish that perfectly balances the richness of deep-fried chicken with the bold flavors of a sweet and tangy sauce. This iconic Chinese-American creation is a favorite in many households and restaurants alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting General Tso’s Chicken step by step. From assembling the ingredients to mastering the sauce, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) | 1 pound |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried red chili peppers | 6-8 |
| Green onions (sliced) | 3 |
| Sesame seeds (for garnish) | For garnish |
For the Marinade:
- Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
- Rice wine | 1 tablespoon |
- Egg | 1 |
- Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
For the Sauce:
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- Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
- Hoisin sauce | 3 tablespoons |
- Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
- Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
- Chicken broth | ¼ cup |
- Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon |
Preparing the Chicken
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, rice wine, egg, and cornstarch. Mix well and add the chicken pieces. Let them marinate for about 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, place the ½ cup of cornstarch. Coat the marinated chicken pieces in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth.
- In another bowl, dissolve the teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan and add the minced ginger, garlic, and dried red chili peppers. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
- Add sliced green onions and toss again.
Serving
- Transfer the General Tso’s Chicken to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
Expert Tips for Success
- To control the level of spiciness, you can adjust the number of dried red chili peppers.
- Serve General Tso’s Chicken with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? A: Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thighs are preferred for their tender and flavorful results.
Q: Is there a substitute for rice wine? A: If you don’t have rice wine, you can use dry sherry or white wine as a substitute.
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Q: Can I make this dish less spicy?A: Absolutely! Adjust the amount of dried red chili peppers to your preferred level of spiciness.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?A: Boneless, skinless chicken is recommended for even cooking and ease of eating, but you can use bone-in chicken if desired.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy? A: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help the chicken stay crispy.
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Q: Can I use a different type of chili pepper?A: Yes, you can experiment with other dried chili peppers based on your spice tolerance and flavor preference.
Embrace the bold and exciting flavors of General Tso’s Chicken by preparing this iconic dish in your own kitchen. With the perfect combination of crispy chicken and a savory-sweet sauce, this recipe captures the essence of Chinese-American cuisine. Follow the steps and tips provided here to create a restaurant-worthy meal that will delight your taste buds.
