How to Make General Tso’s Chicken: A Classic Chinese Dish
General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. With its crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple in many restaurants and homes. If you’re looking to recreate this iconic dish at home, follow these simple steps to make your own General Tso’s chicken.
Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup of cornstarch
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth
Preparation:
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the cornstarch and flour mixture, coating them evenly.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Marinade:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Pour the marinade into the skillet and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Cooking:
1. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Add the chopped green onions and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the water or chicken broth to the skillet, if needed, to create a slightly thicker sauce.
4. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serving:
1. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the General Tso’s chicken to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with additional green onions, if desired.
3. Serve the chicken hot, with steamed rice or over a bed of noodles.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making General Tso’s chicken, you can impress your friends and family with this delicious and iconic dish. Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s chicken!
