How to Cook General Tso’s Chicken: A Culinary Journey
General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. This flavorful and spicy chicken dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and has become a favorite at home as well. If you’re looking to recreate this iconic meal, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook General Tso’s chicken.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of cornstarch
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons of ketchup
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (for frying)
– 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup of peanuts, chopped (optional)
Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the sauce.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Cooking the Sauce
1. In the same skillet or wok, add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry for about 1 minute until they are slightly wilted.
2. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has coated the chicken well.
Serving
1. Transfer the General Tso’s chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped peanuts (if using).
2. Garnish with additional green onions, if desired.
3. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Now that you know how to cook General Tso’s chicken, you can enjoy this delicious dish at home whenever you want. Happy cooking!
