How to Make General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its sweet and spicy flavors. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a sticky, savory sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, making General Tso’s chicken at home is easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating this iconic dish with step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure a delicious outcome.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 cup of cornstarch
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1/2 cup of soy sauce
– 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup of ketchup
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup of red bell peppers, chopped
– 1/2 cup of carrots, sliced
– 1/2 cup of celery, sliced
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch together. Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
5. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the chopped green onions, red bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Stir-fry the vegetables and chicken for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the General Tso’s chicken hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make General Tso’s chicken, you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own home. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Happy cooking!
