General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is spicy, sweet, and tangy. It is a dish that is traditionally served with crispy fried chicken, a spicy sauce, and steamed broccoli. This recipe is easy to make at home and is a great way to enjoy the flavors of General Tso’s Chicken without the added calories and expense of takeout.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds and additional green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat well.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the same pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve over rice or noodles.
Vegetarian/Vegan Variation
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan. Follow the same steps for coating and cooking the tofu or seitan as you would the chicken. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the hoisin sauce and substitute soy sauce for a vegan version.
Gluten-Free Variation
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce and chicken broth are gluten-free.
Conclusion
General Tso’s Chicken is an easy and delicious recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. This recipe is customizable to fit any dietary needs and is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese takeout without leaving your home. Try this recipe today and enjoy the spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors of General Tso’s Chicken!
FAQ
What is General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is a Chinese-American dish made with deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
What ingredients do I need to make General Tso’s Chicken?
To make General Tso’s Chicken, you will need chicken breast, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, dried red chili peppers, and green onions.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. However, it may change the texture of the dish.
How do I make the chicken crispy?
To make the chicken crispy, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying them in hot oil.
Can I make General Tso’s Chicken without deep-frying the chicken?
Yes, you can make General Tso’s Chicken without deep-frying the chicken. You can bake the chicken in the oven or cook it in an air fryer for a healthier version.
How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is usually moderately spicy. However, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili peppers.
Can I make General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time. You can fry the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken goes well with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
How do I store leftover General Tso’s Chicken?
To store leftover General Tso’s Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze General Tso’s Chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
