Thai-style General Tso's Chicken

Ingredients

While the original General Tso's Chicken is known for its sweet and tangy sauce, the Thai adaptation adds a spicy kick and incorporates Thai basil for a distinct flavor. The use of Thai chilies and fish sauce gives this dish an authentic Thai taste, making it a delightful fusion of Chinese and Thai cuisines. 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
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced 2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and Thai chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
6. 6.
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the Thai basil leaves.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
8. 8.
   Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Thai basil — Gently tear the leaves to release their aroma before adding them to the dish.
• Thai chilies — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Fish sauce — Look for a high-quality fish sauce for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, you can lightly coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs before frying.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Thai chilies or include some sliced Thai bird's eye chilies.
• Serve the Thai-style General Tso's Chicken with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if desired, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• To make it more colorful, add some sliced carrots or snow peas to the stir-fry.

Serving advice

Serve the Thai-style General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Thai-style General Tso's Chicken on a platter, placing the vibrant red bell peppers and green Thai basil leaves on top for an eye-catching presentation. Drizzle some extra sauce over the dish for added flavor and appeal.