Craving a taste of China? Dive into the world of General Tso’s Chicken, a delightful Chinese-American dish that’s sure to satisfy your appetite. This classic favorite combines crispy chicken pieces with a sweet and spicy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that will surely delight your taste buds.
Ingredients List
Sauce/Chicken Marinade
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose, NOT dark soy)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp chili paste (Sambal Oelek is great)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (toasted preferably)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 3/4 cup chicken stock/broth (low sodium)
Chicken
- 600g/1.4 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 2.5cm/1″ pieces)
- 1 tsp ginger (finely grated)
- 1 tsp garlic (finely grated)
- 1 cup cornflour/cornstarch
- 1-4 cups oil (for frying, peanut, vegetable, or canola)
Stir Fry Sauce
- 2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
- 2 tsp ginger (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
Garnishes (at least 1 recommended)
- Finely sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing General Tso’s Chicken, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Large Skillet or Wok: To cook the chicken and the stir fry.
- Tongs: For turning the chicken pieces during frying.
- Slotted Spoon: For removing the chicken from the oil.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful General Tso’s Chicken-making experience.
Chicken Preparation
Preparing the chicken for General Tso’s Chicken is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Follow the steps below to mix the ingredients and marinate the chicken properly.
Mixing the Marinade
To start the chicken preparation, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornflour/cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. Whisk well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Marinating the Chicken
Add the chicken thigh pieces, grated ginger, and grated garlic to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
Frying the Chicken
Preparing the Chicken for Frying
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Place the cornflour/cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the cornflour/cornstarch, ensuring it is well-coated. Shake off any excess cornflour.
Heating the Oil
Heat 1-4 cups of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for frying. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of chicken into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
Frying the Chicken
Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Discarding the Oil
Once all the chicken pieces are fried, carefully discard the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Alternatively, you can transfer the fried chicken to a clean bowl and wipe out the pan before proceeding with the next steps.
Stir Fry Sauce Preparation
Cooking the Aromatics
In the same skillet or wok, add the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Adding the Sauce Ingredients
Add the sauce mixture to the pan, stirring well to combine with the aromatics. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combining and Cooking the Chicken
Adding the Chicken to the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Simmering the Chicken
Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the delicious sauce.
Adding the Red Chili Flakes
If you prefer a bit more heat, sprinkle the red chili flakes into the pan during the last minute of cooking. Stir well to distribute the chili flakes throughout the dish.
Garnishing
Preparing the Garnishes
While the chicken is simmering, prepare your garnishes. Finely slice the green onions and set them aside. Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Garnishing the Dish
Once the chicken is done simmering, transfer it to a serving platter. Sprinkle the finely sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the chicken.
Serving and Storage
Serving the General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is best served hot and fresh. To complement the dish, consider serving it with:
- Steamed White Rice: Fluffy white rice is a classic side that pairs perfectly with the rich, flavorful sauce of General Tso’s Chicken.
- Vegetable Stir Fry: A mix of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas adds a healthy and colorful contrast to the dish.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make a delightful appetizer or side.
Presentation Tips
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chicken pieces on a large serving platter. Sprinkle additional green onions and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color. You can also add a few whole dried red chilies for a dramatic touch.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. General Tso’s Chicken can be kept fresh for up to 3 days when properly stored.
Reheating
To reheat, you can use either the stove or the microwave:
- Stove: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a portion of the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze General Tso’s Chicken. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Leftovers
To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat using the stove or microwave methods mentioned above.
Conclusion
Mastering General Tso’s Chicken opens up a world of delightful culinary possibilities. From the crispy chicken pieces to the sweet and spicy sauce, this dish is a versatile canvas for culinary experimentation. By following the detailed instructions provided, you can easily recreate the authentic taste and texture of this classic favorite in your own kitchen. Remember, the key lies in precision and creativity. Whether you choose to stick to tradition or add your own twist, the joy of making and enjoying this delectable dish knows no bounds. With proper storage techniques, you can savor the freshness of General Tso’s Chicken for days or even weeks to come. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and embark on a delicious journey into the world of General Tso’s Chicken.
Enjoy your cooking experience and the delightful flavors of homemade General Tso’s Chicken!