Craving a dish that’s both sweet and spicy? Look no further than this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe! A favorite in Chinese restaurants, this dish combines tender chicken bites, a rich sauce, and a touch of heat that makes it utterly irresistible.
This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. It’s a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think!
Deliciously Sweet and Spicy General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken stands out as a beloved choice for those craving a combination of sweetness and heat. This dish features crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors.
The unique blend of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce in the recipe contributes to a rich depth that enhances the overall taste, making it an ideal companion for fluffy white rice. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of freshness.
Preparation and Cooking Tips
To ensure a successful cooking experience, preparation plays a vital role. Start by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, allowing it to soak up flavors for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving tender and flavorful meat.
Setting up a dredging station with cornstarch, flour, and beaten eggs helps create that coveted crispy coating. Each piece of chicken should be properly coated to ensure a delightful crunch with every bite. The frying process, when done correctly, leads to golden-brown pieces that are simply irresistible.
The Perfect Sauce
The sauce is where the magic happens. Combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes creates a sweet and spicy blend that clings beautifully to the chicken. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a glossy finish that enhances both taste and presentation.
Once the chicken is fried, tossing it in the sauce ensures each piece is evenly coated, providing that signature General Tso’s flavor. A quick additional minute of cooking guarantees everything is heated through, ready for serving.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, plate the General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a satisfying meal. The rice not only acts as a perfect base but also balances the dish’s bold flavors. Garnishing with bright green onions and sesame seeds adds an inviting touch, elevating the overall presentation.
This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Its eye-catching colors and tantalizing aroma create an inviting atmosphere that encourages everyone to dig in.
Nutrition and Servings
This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe serves about four, making it a great option for a family meal. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat, providing a hearty yet balanced option for diners.
While enjoying this dish, it’s easy to appreciate how well the elements come together, from the crispy chicken to the vibrant garnishes. It’s a meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds alike.
The Experience of Cooking at Home
Making General Tso’s Chicken at home allows for a personal touch, letting you adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. This flexibility can transform a simple dinner into a delightful culinary experience.
Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy the cooking process. The end result will not only fill your stomach but also create lasting memories over a delicious shared meal.
Deliciously Sweet and Spicy General Tso’s Chicken
This General Tso’s Chicken is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce gives it a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Set up a dredging station with cornstarch, flour, and beaten eggs. Dip each piece of chicken in cornstarch, then in egg, and finally in flour to create a crispy coating.
- Fry the Chicken: In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat all the pieces evenly. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, alongside steamed rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
