General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients

While the original General Tso's Chicken is known for its deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a thick sauce, our Brazilian-style version adds a touch of Brazilian flair. We incorporate local spices and ingredients to enhance the flavors, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and excitingly new. 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) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Brazilian hot sauce (such as pimenta malagueta) 2 tablespoons Brazilian hot sauce (such as pimenta malagueta)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, honey, tomato paste, Brazilian hot sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken pieces in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
5. 5.
   Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. 6.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
7. 7.
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the reserved marinade and the cornstarch slurry. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
8. 8.
   Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Brazilian hot sauce — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Cornstarch — Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch slurry.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
• Serve the General Tso's Chicken with a side of Brazilian-style rice and beans for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Brazilian-style General Tso's Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chicken and vegetables on a platter, drizzle the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for an enticing presentation.