General Tso's Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide to Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home
Are you craving that crispy, savory, and slightly sweet General Tso's chicken you love from your favorite takeout place? Well, you're in luck! This recipe will guide you through making authentic General Tso's chicken at home, without the hefty price tag or questionable ingredients. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and surprisingly easy dish!
What You'll Need:
This recipe breaks down into two main parts: the chicken and the sauce. Let's start with the ingredients list:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste, adjust for sweetness preference)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional, adds a subtle depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1-2 red chili flakes (or more, depending on your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Marinate (Optional): While not strictly necessary, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce and a little ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the beaten egg and toss the chicken cubes until they are evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of chicken should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice wine (if using), minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and become glossy. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Make sure every piece is well covered.
Serving Your Delicious General Tso's Chicken:
Serve the General Tso's chicken immediately over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the spiciness.
- Vegetables: Add some bell peppers or broccoli florets to the sauce during the last minute of cooking for a heartier dish.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Fry the chicken just before serving.
This recipe ensures a delicious and authentic General Tso's Chicken experience. With a little effort, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home! Remember to share your culinary masterpiece with your friends and family – they'll be begging for more!
