Craving that irresistible sweet, savory, and slightly spicy delight that is General Tso’s Chicken? Forget takeout! This comprehensive recipe will guide you, step-by-step, to create restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken right in your own kitchen. We’ll delve into the secrets behind the crispy chicken, the perfectly balanced sauce, and all the tips and tricks you need to achieve culinary perfection. Prepare to be amazed by how easy and rewarding it is to master this beloved Chinese-American classic. This recipe for General Tso’s Chicken is designed to be foolproof, even for novice cooks. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish!
Before we jump into the details, let’s talk about why this General Tso’s Chicken recipe is special. It’s all about balance. The right amount of sweetness from the sugar, the perfect tang from the vinegar, the subtle heat from the chili peppers, and the savory depth from the soy sauce all come together to create a symphony of flavors. And of course, the crispy chicken is key! We’ll cover the techniques for achieving that perfect crunch, ensuring every bite is a textural delight. This is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is about transforming your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness.
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| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is for informational purposes only.)
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 30g
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is not just delicious; it also provides a good source of protein and energy. When served with a side of rice and vegetables, it creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch cubes | 1.5 lbs |
| Cornstarch | 1 cup, plus more for dusting |
| Egg | 1 large, lightly beaten |
| Vegetable Oil, for frying | 3 cups, or enough for deep frying |
| For the Sauce: | |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Rice Vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken Broth | 1/4 cup |
| Dry Sherry or Shaoxing Wine (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Red Chili Peppers (or chili flakes, to taste) | 2-3, or 1/2 teaspoon flakes |
| Cornstarch Slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) | As needed |
| For Garnish: | |
| Scallions, chopped | For garnish |
| Sesame Seeds | For garnish |
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. In a separate bowl, place 1 cup of cornstarch. Dredge each chicken piece in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and (optional) dry sherry/Shaoxing wine. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large wok or skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chili peppers (or chili flakes). Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture into the wok. Bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce isn’t thickening, add a little cornstarch slurry at a time, mixing until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Add the Chicken: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Ensure every piece of General Tso’s Chicken is well coated in the delicious sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice. The crispy texture of the General Tso’s Chicken combined with the sweet and spicy sauce is a perfect pairing.
- Double Fry (Optional, for extra crispiness): For extra crispy General Tso’s Chicken, you can double fry the chicken. After the first fry, let the chicken cool slightly. Then, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken again for 1-2 minutes, or until extra crispy. This step elevates the texture of your General Tso’s Chicken to a whole new level.
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, restaurant-quality food can be made at home with a little effort and the right instructions. The key to this recipe is the balance of flavors in the sauce and the crispy texture of the chicken. The General Tso’s Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Rice: The classic pairing! Serve your General Tso’s Chicken over fluffy, steamed white rice or brown rice.
- Fried Rice: Add some variety with a side of homemade or takeout fried rice.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Include a side of your favorite stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Complete the meal with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls for a classic Chinese-American experience.
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is very versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your preference. For a spicier kick, add more chili peppers or chili flakes. For a sweeter dish, add a little more sugar. You can also experiment with different vegetables in the stir-fry. This is a foundational recipe, and you can adapt it to your tastes.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and gets crispy. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will provide the best flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: This recipe provides a balanced level of spice. Adjust the amount of chili peppers or chili flakes to your liking.
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce ingredients ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
- Control the Heat: Pay close attention to the heat when making the sauce. You want it to simmer and thicken, but not burn.
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy a classic Chinese-American dish. This General Tso’s Chicken recipe provides a delightful experience.
Variations:
- Vegetarian General Tso’s: Substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower. Ensure the tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture before coating and frying.
- Healthier Version: Bake the chicken instead of frying it. Toss the chicken in a bit of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Different Proteins: Experiment with other proteins, such as shrimp or pork, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe truly shines because of its adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe offers a delightful culinary journey. The crispy chicken, the flavorful sauce, and the ease of preparation make it a winner every time. Making General Tso’s Chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results!
Remember, the key to truly exceptional General Tso’s Chicken is the balance of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken, coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, is what makes this dish so irresistible. Following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken that will impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken!
By using this recipe you can create the best General Tso’s Chicken you have ever had. This version of General Tso’s Chicken is a classic, and you can’t go wrong!
