General Tso’s Chicken
Get ready to experience a classic Chinese takeout favorite right in your own kitchen! This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a must-try for any food lover looking to add a little spice to their dinner routine.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sauce mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
Try this General Tso’s Chicken recipe today and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills! #GeneralTsosChicken #ChineseTakeout #HomemadeRecipe #Foodie
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly. - Q: Can I use a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce?
A: Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free option. - Q: Can I make this dish less spicy?
A: You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version. - Q: Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
A: Yes, a deep fryer can be used for frying the chicken pieces. - Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Substitute tofu or cauliflower for the chicken for a vegetarian version. - Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Use less oil for frying or bake the chicken instead for a healthier option. - Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance, but it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving for maximum crispiness. - Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: General Tso’s Chicken can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. - Q: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition. - Q: How can I adjust the sauce to my taste?
A: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the levels of sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness to suit your preference.
Helpful tips:
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor before frying.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for a milder or spicier dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Serve General Tso’s Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Make a double batch of the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for future use.
- Experiment with different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for variety.
- Add a splash of sesame oil for an extra layer of nuttiness to the dish.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or water chestnuts.
Expert Secrets:
- Pat dry the chicken pieces before coating them with cornstarch for a crispier result.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to prevent it from becoming greasy.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly before adding the chicken for better coating.
- Sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Use a wok for frying the chicken for better heat distribution and faster cooking.
- Add a splash of chicken stock to the sauce for a richer flavor profile.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and added crunch.
- For a healthier version, bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter dish.
- Try marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Experiment with different vinegar variations like apple cider or black vinegar for a unique taste twist.