General Tso Chicken - The Best Recipe You Can Make at Home
General Tso Chicken:
Craving the sweet and spicy symphony of flavors that is General Tso's Chicken? Forget expensive takeout menus and hidden ingredients – this recipe empowers you to create restaurant-quality General Tso Chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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| General Tso Chicken |
We'll guide you through every step, from marinating the chicken for ultimate tenderness to crafting the irresistible sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Prepare to impress your taste buds and loved ones with this easy-to-follow recipe that delivers authentic flavors without the hefty price tag.
Ingredients needed for General Tso Chicken:
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| Ingredients needed for General Tso Chicken |
Gather these ingredients to whip up a restaurant-worthy General Tso's Chicken recipe at home:
- Chicken: Cubed, skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinating: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine (optional), ginger, garlic, and sugar.
- Breading: Cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
- Frying: Vegetable oil for frying.
- General Tso's Sauce: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
Note: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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| Cooking Technique |
Marinate the Chicken:
Set the stage for flavorful chicken with this simple marinating step:
- Combine: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine (if using), ginger, garlic, and sugar.
- Add Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they're evenly coated.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for even deeper flavor.
Note: Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with delicious flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating times will yield even more flavorful results.
Prepare the Breading:
A step-by-step guide on creating the perfect crispy coating for your chicken:
- Establish your breading station: Arrange three small bowls. Fill one with cornstarch, another with all-purpose flour mixed with a pinch of salt, and the last one with lightly beaten eggs.
- Dredge the chicken: Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the cornstarch, then coat it in the flour mixture, and finally, dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Double dip (optional): For extra crispy goodness, repeat the flour and egg dipping steps once more for each chicken piece.
This simple three-step process creates a light and airy breading that fries up beautifully golden brown and oh-so-crispy.
Fring the Chicken:
Tips and tricks for achieving golden brown, crispy perfection without any mess:
- Heat the oil: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 350°F) for shallow frying.
- Fry in batches: Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Golden perfection: Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use paper towels to drain any extra oil.
Remember, maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. The chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through if the oil is too hot. If it's too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Make the General Tso's Sauce:
Now, let's create the star of the show: the irresistible General Tso's Sauce:
- Whisk it all together: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (adjust for desired spice level).
- Bring to a simmer: Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce simmers gently.
- Thicken the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a little water to form a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce, whisking constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Note: The amount of cornstarch slurry you add will determine the thickness of your sauce. Start with a small amount and add more, a little at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.
Assemble the Dish:
How to combine the fried chicken with the delicious sauce and any additional garnishes:
- Toss and coat: In a large wok or pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the hot oil for a minute or two to reheat them.
- Sauce it up: Pour the prepared General Tso's sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and adhere to the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional) and serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy your restaurant-quality General Tso's Chicken made with love, right in your own kitchen.
Professional Tips:
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| Professional Tips |
Elevate your General Tso's game with these professional tips:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: While boneless, skinless chicken is convenient, bone-in, skin-on thighs offer superior flavor and juiciness. If preferred, eliminate the skin before serving.
- Double fry for extra crispiness: For an even crispier coating, fry the chicken twice – once at a lower temperature (around 325°F) for about 3-4 minutes, and then again at a higher temperature (around 375°F) for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Adjust the spice level: Control the heat by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to suit your taste preference.
Note: These tips are just a starting point – feel free to experiment and personalize the recipe to your liking.
Storage and Reheating:
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| Storage and Reheating |
Leftovers? Here's how to store and reheat your General Tso's Chicken:
- Storage: Let the leftover chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately in a different container to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat with a little oil, or in the microwave at low power until warmed through. Gently reheat the sauce in a separate pan and toss with the warmed chicken just before serving.
Note: Reheating twice at low heat helps maintain the crispy texture of the chicken and prevents overcooking.
Side Dish Ideas:
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| Side Dish Ideas |
Classic Steamed Rice: You can complement your delicious General Tso's Chicken with this perfect pairing. This is the ultimate pairing for General Tso's Chicken, offering a neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Noodles for the Slurp: Elevate your meal with a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even mein noodles for a satisfying and textural contrast.
Veggie Delight: Add a refreshing touch with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like Broccoli, Bok Choy, or green beans. You can even get creative with a simple Asian slaw for a light and crunchy accompaniment.
Frequently asked questions:
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| Frequently asked questions |
Got questions about General Tso's Chicken? We've got answers:
- What is the origin of General Tso's Chicken? While the exact origin is debated, the dish is believed to be a Chinese American creation, inspired by Hunan cuisine.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, following the same marinating and breading process. Adjust the sauce ingredients as needed for a plant-based alternative.
- How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce for a less sweet flavor profile. Alternatively, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Note: Feel free to explore and customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences and taste buds. The possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, ditch the takeout menus and create perfect chicken in your own kitchen! This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through every step, from marinating the chicken to crafting the irresistible sauce. With these pro tips and variations, you can customize this dish to your preference and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal at home.