General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients

While the original General Tso's Chicken is known for its deep-fried chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce, this Nordic-inspired version focuses on using wholesome ingredients and lighter cooking techniques. The sauce is made with natural sweeteners and incorporates Nordic flavors, resulting in a healthier and more balanced dish. 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
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon lingonberry jam 1 tablespoon lingonberry jam
• 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. 2.
   Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, tamari or soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, dried chili flakes, lingonberry jam, and water.
5. 5.
   Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Lingonberry jam — Look for lingonberry jam in specialty stores or substitute with cranberry jam for a similar flavor profile.
• Tamari or soy sauce — Use tamari for a gluten-free option or regular soy sauce if gluten is not a concern.
• Fresh ginger — Peel the ginger before grating to remove the tough outer skin.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown for enhanced flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Adjust the amount of dried chili flakes according to your spice preference.
• Serve the General Tso's Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more Nordic elements to the dish.
• Experiment with different Nordic-inspired sauces by incorporating ingredients like lingonberries, cloudberries, or sea buckthorn.
• If lingonberry jam is not available, you can substitute it with a mixture of cranberry sauce and a touch of lemon juice.

Serving advice

Serve the Nordic-Inspired General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a Nordic-inspired salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chicken pieces on a plate, drizzle the sauce over them, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Garnish the plate with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.