General Tso’s Chicken

 

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is known for its sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Chinese military leader from the Qing dynasty, although there is no direct connection between him and the dish.

 

The dish typically consists of deep-fried chicken pieces that are stir-fried with a sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch to give it a glossy appearance and to cling to the chicken pieces. It is often garnished with green onions and served with steamed rice.

 

General Tso’s Chicken is known for its combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The sauce has a balance of sweetness from the sugar and tanginess from the vinegar, while the chili peppers add heat to the dish. The chicken is usually coated in a batter or breading before being deep-fried, giving it a crispy texture.

 

While General Tso’s Chicken is commonly found on the menu of many Chinese-American restaurants, it is not a traditional Chinese dish. Its origins can be traced back to Chinese immigrants who adapted their cuisine to suit the American palate. It has since become a popular and widely recognized dish in American Chinese cuisine.

 

Overall, General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that has gained popularity for its unique combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Here’s a simplified recipe for General Tso’s Chicken:

 

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1/2 cup cornstarch

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

– 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

– 1/4 cup water

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

– Cooked rice, for serving

 

Instructions:

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are well coated.

 

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

 

3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant.

 

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

 

5. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

 

6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.

 

7. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over cooked rice and enjoy!

 

This simplified recipe should give you a tasty version of General Tso’s Chicken without too much complexity. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spice level according to your preference.