General Tso's chicken

general_tsos_chicken

General Tso’s chicken is an iconic dish that has become synonymous with Chinese cuisine in the United States. It is a dish that is both sweet and savory, with tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy batter and smothered in a spicy sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or as a part of a larger meal.

The origins of General Tso’s chicken are somewhat disputed. It is said to have been named after a famous Chinese general from the Qing Dynasty, although there is little historical evidence to support this claim. It is believed that the dish was created in the 1970s in the United States by Chinese immigrants who were looking to create an original dish that would appeal to American tastes.

Regardless of its true origins, General Tso’s chicken has become a staple of Chinese-American cuisine and has been adapted in countless ways. Some restaurants serve the chicken with broccoli or other vegetables, while others add peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

The key to a great General Tso’s chicken recipe is the balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The sauce should be thick and sticky, with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili flakes. The chicken should be marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, egg, and cornstarch to create a crispy coating that will hold up well in the sauce.

To make General Tso’s chicken at home, start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, egg, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

While the chicken is marinating, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and become sticky.

Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Once all the chicken has been cooked, add it back to the skillet and pour the sauce over the top. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.

To serve, transfer the General Tso’s chicken to a platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over a bed of white rice or alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes.

In conclusion, General Tso’s chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is beloved by many. With this recipe, you can recreate the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant at home and enjoy a classic dish that has become a staple of Chinese-American cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp. minced ginger
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp. sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully coated.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir until well combined.
  5. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the sauce until coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  7. Remove from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!