General Tso'S Chicken
General Tso's Chicken offers a perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. With garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from peppers, it's a flavorful dish that appeals to those craving bold Chinese-inspired flavors and a satisfying, crispy bite. Ideal for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 lb deboned chicken meat ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced ginger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cooking wine ⓘ
- 1 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups hot chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch and water together to make the sauce base.
- Add minced garlic, minced ginger, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and wine to the sauce mixture.
- Add chicken broth and MSG, then stir until the sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until needed.
- In a separate bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and white pepper.
- Stir in the egg with the chicken mixture.
- Add cornstarch gradually until the chicken is coated evenly.
- Heat oil and deep-fry the chicken in small batches at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels.
- In a wok, heat a small amount of oil until hot.
- Add scallions and peppers and stir-fry briefly.
- Stir the prepared sauce and add it to the wok.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with additional cornstarch or water as needed.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If you don't have cooking wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or omit it altogether. For a lighter version, consider using air-fried chicken instead of deep-frying. If you prefer a bit more heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve General Tso's Chicken hot over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with sides like steamed broccoli or mustard greens with straw mushrooms for a balanced dinner. For an authentic touch, consider garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover General Tso's Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating too long to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of General Tso'S Chicken contains roughly 553 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 643mg per serving (28% 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 other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while chicken is traditional, you can substitute it with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may require varying cooking durations to ensure they are fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce to your taste. Adding more soy sauce or vinegar can also balance out the sweetness while enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good stir before adding it to the wok, as ingredients may settle while stored.
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).