What is General Tso's chicken?

General Tso's chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring deep-fried chicken pieces in a sweet and spicy sauce. The dish was created in New York in the 1970s and named after General Tso (Zuo Zongtang), a Qing dynasty military leader from Hunan province. Despite its Chinese name, it's not commonly found in China but is a staple in Chinese restaurants across North America.

What does General Tso's chicken taste like?

General Tso's chicken has a distinct sweet and spicy flavor profile. The crispy fried chicken is coated in a thick sauce that combines savory elements from soy sauce and garlic with sweetness from sugar, balanced by tangy vinegar and aromatic ginger. The spice level varies by restaurant, but it typically offers a mild to medium heat that complements rather than overpowers the sweet undertones of the sauce.

Is General Tso's chicken authentic Chinese food?

Despite its Chinese name and inspiration, General Tso's chicken is not authentic Chinese cuisine. It was developed in the United States during the 1970s specifically to appeal to American tastes. The dish was created by Chef Peng Chang-kuei in New York and named after the historical General Tso to give it Chinese cultural roots. You won't find this specific preparation in traditional Hunan cuisine or in restaurants throughout China.

What are the main ingredients in General Tso's chicken?

The primary ingredients in General Tso's chicken include chicken pieces (typically thigh meat), deep-fried until crispy. The signature sauce contains soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Some recipes may also include hoisin sauce, sesame oil, or chicken broth. The dish is commonly garnished with scallions or sesame seeds and served alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli.

Is General Tso's chicken healthy?

General Tso's chicken is flavorful but not particularly healthy. The dish is high in calories due to the deep-fried chicken and sugar-rich sauce. A typical restaurant serving contains approximately 600-800 calories with significant amounts of sodium and fat. While the chicken provides protein, the frying process adds saturated fat, and the sauce contains considerable sugar. For a healthier option, consider asking for the sauce on the side or selecting steamed preparations instead of fried.

General Tsos Chicken: Authentic Chinese Restaurant Recipe

Name: General Tsos Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: – 2 lbs chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful protein as the base of the dish; – 1/2 cup cornstarch for coating; – 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying; – 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger for zesty, aromatic punch that brightens the sauce; – 3 cloves garlic for savory depth that complements the sweetness and spice; – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat to balance the sweet elements; – 1 tsp sesame seeds for nutty finish and extra crunch; – 1/2 cup cold water for liquid base for the sauce; – 5 tbsp rice vinegar for tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness; – 3 tbsp soy sauce for savory umami and saltiness; – 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce for sweet and slightly smoky note; – 4 tbsp sugar for balancing spice and tang with sweetness; – 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening the sauce; – 2 lbs firm tofu or seitan for plant-based alternative; – 3 tbsp tamari for umami without animal products; – 3 tbsp gluten-free tamari for gluten-free option; – 2 tbsp vegetable oil for low-calorie option

Ingredients

– 2 lbs chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful protein as the base of the dish

– 1/2 cup cornstarch for coating

– 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

– 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger for zesty, aromatic punch that brightens the sauce

– 3 cloves garlic for savory depth that complements the sweetness and spice

– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat to balance the sweet elements

– 1 tsp sesame seeds for nutty finish and extra crunch

– 1/2 cup cold water for liquid base for the sauce

– 5 tbsp rice vinegar for tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness

– 3 tbsp soy sauce for savory umami and saltiness

– 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce for sweet and slightly smoky note

– 4 tbsp sugar for balancing spice and tang with sweetness

– 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening the sauce

– 2 lbs firm tofu or seitan for plant-based alternative

– 3 tbsp tamari for umami without animal products

– 3 tbsp gluten-free tamari for gluten-free option

– 2 tbsp vegetable oil for low-calorie option

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by cutting 2 lbs of chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and helps the cornstarch coat stick well. Toss the chicken in batches with 1/2 cup cornstarch, tapping off any excess to avoid a gloopy mess. Set it aside so everything’s ready to go this mise-en-place step makes the process smooth and quick!

2-Second Step: Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup cold water, 5 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 4 tbsp sugar, and 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch until fully combined. This creates a balanced sauce that will coat your chicken perfectly. Stir it well to dissolve the cornstarch, which thickens things up without lumps adjust soy sauce if you want more savoriness!

3-Third Step: Cook the Chicken: Preheat a non-stick skillet with 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken in 2-3 batches for about 5-7 minutes each, until it’s golden brown and cooked through to 165°F inside. Remove the chicken and leave about 1 tbsp of oil in the pan to build flavor without making it greasy. This step gives that crave-worthy crispiness, and cooking in batches prevents steaming instead of frying.

4-Fourth Step: Sauté Aromatics: Add 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for just 30 seconds until they’re fragrant and toasty. This quick step infuses the oil with bold flavors, but don’t overdo it or they’ll burn! For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes to suit kids or those watching spice levels.

5-Fifth Step: Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer, stirring for about 1 minute until it thickens. Taste and tweak seasonings like adding more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness For dietary tweaks, use low-sodium soy sauce here to keep sodium in check. This creates a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.

6-Sixth Step: Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce for even coating. Let it heat through for another minute so everything melds together. Serve immediately, garnished with 1 tsp sesame seeds if you like, alongside rice or veggies. For a fun twist, pair it with our easy fried chicken tips to experiment with sides. Remember, serving right away keeps that crispiness intact!

Last Step:

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Notes

🔪 Prep all ingredients before starting for efficient cooking and better results.
🌶️ Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level to your preference.
🥘 Use a non-stick skillet to preserve the crispy coating and prevent sticking.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Regular

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 386
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 502mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg