General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is known for its sweet and spicy flavor. It is typically made with deep-fried chicken coated in a thick, glossy sauce. While the exact origin of the dish is debated, it is widely believed to have been created in the United States in the 20th century.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for the Perfect General Tso’s Chicken:
- Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality chicken and fresh ingredients.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil to the sauce.
- Serve with a side: General Tso’s chicken is delicious served with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
General Tso’s chicken is a popular and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic version of this classic Chinese-American dish.
