How to Make General Tao Chicken
General Tao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its crispy, golden-brown chicken and a sweet and savory sauce. This dish is a favorite among food enthusiasts and is often served as a main course or part of a Chinese feast. If you’re looking to impress your friends or family with this classic recipe, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make General Tao Chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of chicken thighs or drumsticks, boneless and skinless
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Oil for frying
– 1 cup of soy sauce
– 1/2 cup of honey
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
– Green onions, chopped
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1.
Preparation:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2.
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the beaten eggs to the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Then, add the flour and cornstarch mixture to the chicken and toss until well coated.
3.
Frying the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Set aside.
5.
Cook the Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour the sauce and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, making sure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
7.
Serve:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnish. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade General Tao Chicken, and feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite spices or additional vegetables. Happy cooking!