General Tsao'S Chicken(China)
General Tso's Chicken features crispy fried chicken tossed in a tangy, spicy, sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, perfect for those craving bold Chinese flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok.
- Deep fry the chicken pieces, a few at a time, for about 1 minute or until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the wok.
- Add the dried chili peppers, garlic, and ginger to the oil and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, white wine vinegar, white wine, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch; mix until smooth.
- Stir in sugar, sesame oil, and salt into the sauce mixture.
- Pour the sauce into the wok and cook, stirring for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Return the fried chicken pieces to the wok and toss to coat.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for about 30 minutes before frying. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of dried chili peppers or omit them altogether. Consider using chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Pair this dish with steamed rice or noodles to balance the flavors. Explore more Chinese recipes for diverse options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve General Tsao's Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Stir-Fry On Rice for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. This dish can also be enjoyed cold in a salad or wrap.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of General Tsao'S Chicken(China) contains roughly 921 calories, with 13g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1377mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more dried chili peppers or include a dash of chili oil or sriracha to the sauce. You can also try using fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.
What can I serve with General Tsao's Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including steamed broccoli, fried rice, or a simple cucumber salad. Consider serving it with egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).