General Tso’s Chicken

why make this recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish that combines the crunchiness of fried chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a favorite in many Chinese restaurants and is loved for its delicious flavors. Making this dish at home allows you to enjoy a takeout classic in the comfort of your kitchen, and the best part is that you can adjust the flavors to your liking!

General Tso's Chicken

how to make General Tso’s Chicken

Ingredients:

  • chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • soy sauce
  • cornstarch
  • vegetable oil
  • garlic (minced)
  • ginger (minced)
  • sugar
  • rice vinegar
  • sesame oil
  • green onions (for garnish)
  • red chili flakes (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and fry until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
  5. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  6. Add sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pan, stirring to combine everything well.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan, and toss it to coat it evenly in the sauce.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and red chili flakes if you like some heat.

how to serve General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is best served hot. You can enjoy it with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal. Pair it with some stir-fried vegetables or a side salad to add freshness to your plate.

how to store General Tso’s Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.

tips to make General Tso’s Chicken

  • Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to suit your taste preference; some may prefer it sweeter while others might like it more savory.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
  • You can add more spice by increasing the amount of red chili flakes or adding fresh chilies.

variation

You can try using chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu and follow the same steps. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

FAQs

What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
You can serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. A side of stir-fried vegetables also complements the dish well.

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just cook it fresh when you are ready to serve.

Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
It can be mildly spicy, depending on the amount of red chili flakes you use. You can adjust the spice to your preference by adding or reducing the chili flakes.

General Tso's Chicken

A popular dish that combines crunchy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for enjoying at home.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions (for garnish) sliced
  • to taste red chili flakes (optional) for heat

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking

  • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and fry until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
  • In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  • Add sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pan, stirring to combine everything well.
  • Return the chicken to the pan, and toss it to coat it evenly in the sauce.

Serving

  • Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and red chili flakes if you like some heat.

Notes

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to suit your taste preference; some may prefer it sweeter while others might like it more savory. Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. You can add more spice by increasing the amount of red chili flakes or adding fresh chilies.
Keyword fried chicken, General Tso's Chicken, homemade recipe, sweet and savory, takeout classic

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