General Tso Recipe (with Video)

General Tso Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken is a famous Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. While it isn’t authentically Chinese, it has become a staple in Chinese takeout restaurants worldwide. The dish is named after General Tso, a Qing dynasty military leader, although there’s no historical connection between him and the dish.

Making it at home allows you to control the spice level, sweetness, and overall taste. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients Required

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

For Garnishing:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions (chopped)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken – Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
2. Season the Chicken – Add salt and black pepper to the chicken for better flavor.
3. Prepare the Coating – In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and flour. In another bowl, beat the egg.
4. Coat the Chicken – Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then into the cornstarch-flour mix. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil – Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C).
2. First Frying – Fry the chicken in small batches for about 3–4 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel.
3. Second Frying – Fry the chicken again for another 2 minutes to make it extra crispy. This step helps lock in the crunch while keeping the inside juicy.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and makes the chicken less crispy.

Making the General Tso’s Sauce

1. Mix Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth.
2. Prepare the Thickener – Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
3. Cook the Sauce – In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and sauté minced garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes for 30 seconds.
4. Combine Everything – Pour in the sauce mixture and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Tossing the Chicken in Sauce

1. Add the Fried Chicken – Once the sauce has thickened, toss the crispy fried chicken into the pan.
2. Coat Evenly – Stir well to ensure each piece of chicken is coated in the delicious sauce.
3. Let it Cook for 1 Minute – This helps the sauce cling better to the chicken without making it soggy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot over steamed white rice or fried rice.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a balanced meal.

Tips and Variations

Adjusting the Spice Level:

• Add more red chili flakes or fresh chili for extra heat.
• Reduce or omit the spice if you prefer a milder version.

Making it Healthier:

• Bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
• Use less sugar in the sauce to reduce sweetness.

Vegetarian Alternative:

• Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken – This makes it dry and chewy.
• Not double frying – Skipping this step results in soggy chicken.
• Unbalanced sauce – Adjust sugar, vinegar, and spice to your taste.

FAQs about General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

1. What is General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that features deep-fried chicken chunks tossed in a sweet, slightly spicy, and tangy sauce. It’s commonly garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

2. What ingredients do I need for General Tso’s Chicken?

The key ingredients include chicken (usually thigh pieces), soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, dried red chili peppers, and cornstarch for coating the chicken. Some recipes might also include sesame oil and orange zest for additional depth.

3. How do I make the sauce for General Tso’s Chicken?

Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a bit of water in a bowl. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, then pour in the sauce mixture and simmer until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. What’s the best way to cook the chicken for General Tso’s?

For crispy chicken, coat the bite-sized pieces in cornstarch and then deep fry them until golden and crispy. Ensure the oil is hot enough so the chicken cooks quickly without absorbing too much oil.

5. Can I make General Tso’s Chicken less spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat level by reducing the number of chili peppers or omitting them altogether. You can still enjoy the rich flavors of the sauce without the extra spice.

6. Are there any healthier alternatives to frying the chicken?

Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F until crispy, or use an air fryer to reduce the oil content while still achieving a crispy texture.

7. What should I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and a side of steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables to balance out the flavors and textures.

8. How do I store leftovers of General Tso’s Chicken?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain the best texture.

Conclusion

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home is easy and rewarding. With crispy fried chicken and a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time!