What is in General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken, a popular Chinese-American dish, has captivated the taste buds of people around the world. This mouthwatering dish, which combines tender, deep-fried chicken cubes with a rich, savory sauce, has become a staple in many restaurants and homes. But what exactly makes General Tso’s Chicken so special? Let’s dive into the history, ingredients, and preparation of this iconic dish.
History of General Tso’s Chicken
The origins of General Tso’s Chicken are somewhat mysterious. Some believe it was created by a Chinese chef named Tso Tsung-tang in the 1950s, while others claim it dates back to the 19th century. Regardless of its exact origin, the dish is named after General Tso, a famous Chinese military leader from the late 19th century.
The story goes that General Tso, who was known for his love of food, disliked the traditional stir-fried chicken dishes of the time. He requested a new recipe that would be both flavorful and unique. The chef who eventually created General Tso’s Chicken is said to have used a combination of techniques, including deep-frying and stir-frying, to develop a dish that satisfied the general’s palate.
Ingredients of General Tso’s Chicken
The key ingredients of General Tso’s Chicken are chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. These ingredients come together to create a rich, savory sauce that coats the tender, deep-fried chicken cubes. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:
– Chicken: The dish is made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, which are cut into bite-sized cubes.
– Soy Sauce: This is a key ingredient that adds a savory umami flavor to the dish.
– Brown Sugar: The sweetener balances the savory flavors of the soy sauce and garlic.
– Sesame Oil: This oil provides a nutty flavor and adds a glossy finish to the dish.
– Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients add a pungent, spicy flavor to the sauce.
– Cornstarch: This thickening agent helps create the glossy, sticky sauce that coats the chicken cubes.
Preparation of General Tso’s Chicken
The preparation of General Tso’s Chicken involves several steps, including marinating the chicken, deep-frying it, and stir-frying the sauce. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
1. Marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Deep-fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), add the marinated chicken cubes and fry until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside.
3. Make the sauce: In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Stir the mixture until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve.
4. Stir-fry the sauce: Add the fried chicken to the pan with the sauce and stir-fry until the chicken is well-coated and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve: Serve General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, over steamed rice or with noodles.
Conclusion
General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that has won the hearts of many. Its rich, savory sauce and tender, deep-fried chicken cubes make it a favorite among both Chinese and non-Chinese cuisine lovers. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, General Tso’s Chicken is sure to be a hit on your table.
