How to Cook General Tso Chicken: A Classic Chinese Dish with a Twist
General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that combines the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, learning how to cook General Tso’s chicken is a must. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering dish, ensuring that you can enjoy the same delicious taste at home as you would in a restaurant.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup of cornstarch
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
– 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup of red bell peppers, sliced
– 1/2 cup of carrots, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for the flavors to meld together.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch to create a batter. Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the green onions, red bell peppers, and carrots until they are tender but still crisp.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
Cooking the General Tso Chicken
1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat everything evenly.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully coated.
3. Sprinkle the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Enjoy Your General Tso Chicken
Now that you know how to cook General Tso’s chicken, you can impress your friends and family with this classic dish. Remember to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
