General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients

While the Chinese version of General Tso's Chicken is typically sweeter and less spicy, the Taiwanese adaptation adds an extra punch of heat and tanginess. The sauce is made with a blend of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and vinegar, giving it a distinctively bold and zesty flavor. Additionally, the Taiwanese version often includes the use of local ingredients and spices, further enhancing the dish's unique taste. 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 (120ml) soy sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) hoisin sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) chili garlic sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) chili garlic sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 green onions, sliced 2 green onions, sliced
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to make the sauce.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Dip the chicken pieces into the cornstarch slurry, ensuring they are well coated.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. 6.
   In a clean pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sauce mixture and cook until it thickens slightly.
7. 7.
   Add the fried chicken to the pan and toss until each piece is coated with the sauce.
8. 8.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before coating it with cornstarch.
• Rice vinegar — If you can't find rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Chili garlic sauce — Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce 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 slurry well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before garnishing the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the coated chicken for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
• Serve General Tso's Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Customize the dish by adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added freshness and crunch.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by adding more honey or vinegar, according to your taste preference.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Taiwanese-style General Tso's Chicken hot as a main course. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Taiwanese-style General Tso's Chicken, arrange the crispy chicken pieces on a platter and drizzle the sauce over them. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with a few whole green onions for an attractive and appetizing look.