General Tso's Chicken
General Tso's Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a deliciously tangy and slightly spicy sauce. This dish is known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite for many. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 frying pan or wok
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 paper towels
- 1 saucepan
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch For coating the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For frying the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced For garnish.
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes Adjust for spice preference.
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar Adjust according to taste.
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water For thickening the sauce.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully covered.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying them until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, add the cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce, stirring until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the crispy chicken back to the pan with garlic and ginger. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and additional chili flakes if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and chili flakes in the sauce to cater to your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or a side salad for added nutrition.