Korean-style General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients

While the original Chinese General Tso's Chicken is known for its sweet and savory sauce, the Korean adaptation adds a spicy kick to the dish. The Korean version also incorporates traditional Korean ingredients and flavors, such as gochujang (Korean chili paste) and sesame oil, to enhance the overall taste profile. This adaptation aims to satisfy the Korean palate's love for spicy and bold flavors. We alse have the original recipe for General Tso's Chicken, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water.
6. 6.
   Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. 8.
   Add the fried chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
9. 9.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs before cutting them into bite-sized pieces to ensure a crispy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add a teaspoon of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the sauce mixture.
• Serve the Korean-style General Tso's Chicken with steamed rice or Korean-style fried rice for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang in the sauce.
• To make the dish healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Korean-style General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or Korean-style fried rice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy chicken pieces on a serving platter and drizzle the spicy sauce over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with a few whole green onions for an attractive presentation.