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Asian

General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish that offers a perfect balance of crispy textures and sweet-spicy flavors, making it a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine. The tender, battered chicken pieces are deep-fried to golden perfection, then coated in a glossy, savory sauce that's both tangy and flavorful. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Named after General Tso Tsung-t'ang, a Qing dynasty military leader, this dish was popularized in the United States in the 1970s, becoming a staple in Chinese-American restaurants nationwide. Its vibrant sauce, combining soy, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness, has made it a classic comfort food that appeals to all ages, offering an explosion of flavors with every forkful.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 15 minTotal time: 30 minCalories: 450 kcal

Flickr spine 472065553--General Tso's Chicken.jpg by VulcanOfWalden is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Dip each piece into beaten eggs, then set aside.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring to combine and thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Return fried chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
  9. Cook for an additional minute to let flavors meld.
  10. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.