Who doesn’t love a good General Tso’s Chicken? The sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce, the juicy, succulent chicken, and the crunch of the perfectly sautéed vegetables – it’s like a symphony for your taste buds. But have you ever thought about making it yourself?
Preparing your favorite Chinese-American dish at home may seem as complex as assembling a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, but it’s actually simpler than you’d think. Why order takeout and wonder about the ingredients when you can make your healthier, tastier version from scratch? Let’s dive into the process of making General Tso’s Chicken at home.
The Story Behind General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken, despite its popularity in the US, isn’t that well-known in China. It’s named after a Qing Dynasty military leader, but its invention is credited to a Taiwanese chef who created it while cooking for some American naval officers in the 1950s.
The dish’s sweet-spicy profile was an instant hit, and it quickly became a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. Although the original recipe has been modified to suit Western palates, it still holds its iconic status among Chinese-American dishes.
Unlocking the Secret to Perfect General Tso’s Chicken
The core of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its sauce. The perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy makes it tempting and irresistible. The secret ingredient? Hoisin sauce. This thick, fragrant sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a must-have for this recipe.
Another essential aspect is frying the chicken. The chicken needs to be crispy yet tender, which requires careful attention during cooking. It’s not just about frying the chicken; it’s about frying it right.
Picking the Right Ingredients
Like an artist choosing the perfect colors for their masterpiece, the right ingredients can make or break your General Tso’s Chicken. Quality chicken is a must, of course. Vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli add color and crunch. And don’t forget the hoisin sauce – it’s the soul of this delicious recipe.
Garlic, ginger, and green onions also play a crucial role in bringing out the dish’s flavor. And, let’s not forget the dried red chillies – they’re the source of that kick we all love in General Tso’s Chicken.
Steps to Make Your Own General Tso’s Chicken
First, let’s walk through the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 dried red chillies
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Next, here are the instructions:
- Coat the chicken chunks in cornstarch, then dip in beaten egg.
- Fry the chicken in hot oil till golden brown and crispy, then set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chillies till fragrant.
- Add in the bell pepper and broccoli, stir-frying till just tender.
- Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and add it to the pan.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and stir well to coat.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Time and Nutrition Facts
Here’s the breakdown of cook and prep times:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
And here’s the dish’s nutritional profile:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 33g