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general tso's chicken recipe

General Tso's Chicken Recipe

Pinklady
Despite its popularity in North America, General Tso's Chicken isn't widely eaten in China. The dish was created in the 1970s by Chef Peng Chang-kuei, a Hunanese chef living in Taiwan, who named it after General Tso Tsung-t'ang, a 19th-century Chinese military leader.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ancient China
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • ½ tsp red chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Optional Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Batter and Chicken
    In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly whisk in water to form a smooth batter.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Fry the Chicken
    Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Make the Sauce
    In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
  • In the same skillet, leave about 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and chili flakes for 30 seconds.
  • Add the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
  • Combine Chicken and Sauce
    Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Serve and Garnish
    Transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Video

Keyword General Tso's Chicken Recipe