General Tso Chicken Recipe: 5 Easy Steps for Perfect Flavor
General Tso Chicken is a beloved classic in Chinese American cuisine, known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through 5 easy steps to create the most flavorful and authentic General Tso Chicken you’ve ever had. Follow this comprehensive guide for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before we dive into the steps, ensure you have all the essential ingredients for a flavorful General Tso Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, mixed with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 dried red chilies (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Coat with Cornstarch and Egg: Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs and then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. This creates a crispy exterior when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Fry the chicken in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Prepare Aromatics: In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce later.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
- Add Sauce Base: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok with the sautéed aromatics. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Toss the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the wok with the sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Heat Through: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish for an authentic touch.
- Serve Hot: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect General Tso Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain tender when fried, but chicken breasts work if you prefer a leaner option.
- Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the wok lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for optimal crispiness.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Add Heat Carefully: Start with a small amount of red chili flakes and adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Serve Immediately: General Tso Chicken is best enjoyed fresh to retain its crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure the hoisin sauce you use is gluten-free.
2. Can I Bake the Chicken Instead of Frying?
Absolutely. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F, coat the chicken with egg and cornstarch, and arrange on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
3. How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover General Tso Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain some crispiness.
Mastering this General Tso Chicken Recipe ensures a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dish every time. With its balance of bold flavors and crunchy texture, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd favorite.