General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. This beloved recipe was actually invented by a Chinese chef named Peng Chang-kuei in the 1950s, and its name is derived from the Chinese phrase "Zuo Zong-tang," which roughly translates to "Governing General of the State." Over time, the recipe has undergone various modifications, and today, General Tso Chicken is often associated with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, General Tso Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, and with this recipe, you can easily recreate this mouthwatering dish at home.
General Tso Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup water
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
* Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Steps:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and water. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped scallions.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
* For a crisper exterior, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
* To make a spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add more to taste.
* For a richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the marinade.
* To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
* For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight.
* Experiment with different flavors by adding 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, mint, or basil to the marinade or sauce.
* Try using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a unique flavor profile.
* For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Must Tried Recipes :
