How to Make General Tso’s Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has gained widespread acclaim for its sweet and spicy flavor. This stir-fry dish is made with bite-sized pieces of chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and spicy sauce. If you’re looking to make General Tso’s chicken at home, follow this step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
- 1 cup General Tso’s sauce (see below for recipe)
- Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
General Tso’s Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Rice vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Hoisin sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat the wok or skillet: In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken to the wok or skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the wok or skillet and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same wok or skillet, add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the sauce to the wok or skillet: Pour the sauce into the wok or skillet and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the wok or skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions (if desired) and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and chicken are essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in General Tso’s chicken.
- Adjust the level of spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
- Add nuts or seeds: toasted peanuts or sesame seeds can add a delicious crunch to the dish.
- Try different vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute different vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to suit your taste.
Conclusion:
Making General Tso’s chicken at home is easier than you think. By following these simple steps and using fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. Remember to adjust the level of spiciness to your taste, and don’t be afraid to add your own unique twists to the recipe. With practice and patience, you’ll be a General Tso’s chicken master in no time!