General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients

While the original General Tso's Chicken is known for its sweet and spicy flavors, our Arab adaptation adds a unique twist by incorporating traditional Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, coriander, and sumac. These spices infuse the dish with a rich and earthy flavor profile, making it a delightful fusion of Chinese and Arab cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for General Tso's Chicken, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pomegranate molasses 1/4 cup (60ml) pomegranate molasses
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sumac 1/2 teaspoon ground sumac
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 12g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, pomegranate molasses, and cornstarch. Mix well until the cornstarch is dissolved.
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground sumac, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. 4.
   Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat. Add the water and honey, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the sesame oil and green onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pomegranate molasses — If you can't find pomegranate molasses, you can substitute it with equal parts of honey and lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
• Sumac — Sumac adds a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor. If you don't have sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a stronger nutty flavor. If you don't have sesame oil, you can substitute it with peanut oil or olive oil.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
• Marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor.
• Serve the General Tso's Chicken with steamed rice or couscous for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the dish according to your preference by adjusting the amount of honey and cayenne pepper.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and accompanied by a side of steamed rice or couscous. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chicken pieces on a platter, drizzle the sauce over them, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of rice or couscous. For an elegant touch, you can also garnish with edible flowers.