Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love General Tso’s Chicken
- The History Behind General Tso’s Chicken
- Key Ingredients That Make It Irresistible
- Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken
- Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Why Homemade Beats Takeout
Key Takeaways
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired dishes. It’s quick to prepare, perfectly crispy, and coated in a savory-sweet sauce. A perfect choice for weeknight dinners, this homemade recipe will leave you wondering why you ever ordered takeout in the first place.
Why You’ll Love General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a restaurant favorite for good reason. The crispy chicken bites, combined with the addictive sweet and savory sauce, make it a dish that’s hard to resist. Making it at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s a lot easier to prepare than you might think!
The History Behind General Tso’s Chicken
This iconic dish is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a famous Chinese military leader, though its exact origins are debated. While it’s a staple in American-Chinese cuisine, it has evolved significantly from its roots. This recipe honors the dish’s rich history while making it approachable for modern kitchens.
Key Ingredients That Make It Irresistible
The secret to General Tso’s Chicken lies in its sauce. A balance of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil creates a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The crispy chicken, coated in this sauce, becomes an irresistible centerpiece for any meal.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken
Achieving that perfect crunch is easier than you think! Using a batter made of cornstarch, flour, and baking powder ensures the chicken remains crispy even after being tossed in the sauce. Frying the chicken in hot oil and allowing it to rest on a paper towel keeps it light and crunchy.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pair General Tso’s Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a hearty meal. Adding stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, brings freshness and color to your plate. These pairings make for a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.
Why Homemade Beats Takeout
Making General Tso’s Chicken at home is a rewarding experience. You can tailor the sweetness, spice, and salt levels to your preferences. Plus, you’ll skip the high sodium and preservatives often found in restaurant versions. With Clara’s recipe from Clara Cooks, you’ll enjoy a healthier, tastier version of this classic dish.
General Tso’s Chicken – Easy Homemade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, water, soy sauce, and garlic powder to make a batter.
- Coat chicken pieces in the batter.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
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