General Tso's Chicken Recipes For 2023: Deliciously Simple And Flavorful
A Brief History of General Tso's Chicken
General Tso's chicken has been a popular dish in Chinese restaurants around the world since the mid-20th century. The dish is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Chinese military leader and politician who lived in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). The dish is said to have been created in the 1950s by a Hunan-style chef in Taiwan and is thought to be a combination of traditional Hunan and Szechuan flavors. The dish is now popular in many countries, including the United States and Canada. It is typically served with steamed white rice, but variations such as fried rice and chow mein are also popular.
Traditional General Tso's Chicken Recipe
This traditional General Tso’s Chicken recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and garlic before being dredged in a light batter and fried until crispy. The fried chicken is then simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce made with garlic, ginger, vinegar, and chili peppers. The result is a dish that is both sweet and spicy, with a hint of heat from the chili peppers. Serve this classic dish with steamed white rice and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, and pepper. Stir to combine, then cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Fry the chicken in the hot oil until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Discard the oil from the skillet, then return the skillet to the heat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened, about 1 minute. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the green onions and serve.
Variations on the Traditional Recipe
Though the traditional General Tso's Chicken recipe is delicious, there are other variations that can be made to change up the flavor. One popular variation is to add a few tablespoons of hoisin sauce to the sauce for a sweeter flavor. Another variation is to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish. You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Finally, you can also adjust the amount of chili sauce used to make the dish as spicy as you like.
Serving Suggestions
General Tso's Chicken is typically served with steamed white rice, but there are other options that can be served alongside the dish. Fried rice makes a great side dish, as do noodles such as chow mein or lo mein. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots, also make a great accompaniment. For a light and refreshing side dish, try a simple Asian-style salad made with cucumber, carrots, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Conclusion
General Tso's Chicken is a classic and beloved dish that is often found in Chinese restaurants around the world. This traditional recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With a few simple variations and the addition of some sides, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you serve it with steamed white rice, fried rice, noodles, or vegetables, General Tso's Chicken is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
