General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients

While the original General Tso's Chicken is known for its sweet and spicy flavors, the Puerto Rican adaptation adds a unique twist by incorporating traditional Puerto Rican spices and ingredients. The dish maintains its crispy texture and succulent chicken, but with a Puerto Rican flair that infuses it with a burst of vibrant 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 breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) ketchup 2 tablespoons (30ml) ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) cornstarch 2 tablespoons (30ml) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish) Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 25g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken pieces in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
6. 6.
   Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
8. 8.
   In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
9. 9.
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the thickened sauce until well coated.
10. 10.
    Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
11. 11.
    Serve hot with steamed rice or Puerto Rican-style fried plantains.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple juice — Use freshly squeezed pineapple juice for the best flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the sodium content.
• Orange juice — Choose freshly squeezed orange juice for a burst of citrusy flavor.
• Vinegar — Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as alternatives.
• Honey — Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry.
• Serve the General Tso's Chicken with a side of Puerto Rican-style rice and beans for a complete meal.
• Customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey or adding a splash of pineapple juice.
• For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Pair it with steamed rice or Puerto Rican-style fried plantains for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the General Tso's Chicken on a platter, drizzle some of the thickened sauce over the top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Add a vibrant side of steamed vegetables or a colorful salad to enhance the presentation.