**General Tao's Chicken: A Culinary Journey from Hunan to the World**
Savor the tantalizing flavors of General Tao's chicken, a beloved dish that seamlessly blends the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine with the appeal of American-Chinese cooking. Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, this dish offers a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
**The Art of General Tao's Chicken**
Our comprehensive guide takes you on a culinary journey, exploring the origins, variations, and techniques behind this iconic dish. Discover the secrets to achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a delectable recipe that will transport you to the heart of Hunan.
**A Symphony of Flavors: Variations and Inspirations**
Explore the diverse world of General Tao's chicken, with variations that cater to every palate. From the classic Hunan-style recipe to modern interpretations with unique twists, we present a collection of recipes that showcase the versatility and adaptability of this dish.
**Beyond the Main Course: Accompaniments and Side Dishes**
Elevate your General Tao's chicken experience with a selection of perfectly paired accompaniments and side dishes. Discover how simple ingredients like jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, and refreshing salads can enhance the flavors of this iconic dish.
**The Art of Sauces: Sweet, Savory, and Spicy**
Unveil the secrets of crafting the perfect General Tao's sauce, a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Our comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions for creating this essential component, ensuring that your dish reaches its full potential.
**Tips and Techniques for Crispy Perfection**
Achieve that irresistible crispy texture with our expert tips and techniques. Learn how to select the right chicken cuts, marinate them for optimal flavor, and fry them to golden perfection.
**The History and Legacy of a Culinary Icon**
Delve into the fascinating history of General Tao's chicken, tracing its roots back to the vibrant culinary traditions of Hunan province. Discover how this dish crossed oceans and cultures to become a beloved staple in Chinese restaurants around the world.
**Dietary Adaptations: Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Healthier Options**
Accommodate various dietary preferences with our gluten-free, vegan, and healthier takes on General Tao's chicken. Enjoy this delectable dish without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
**Embark on a Culinary Adventure with General Tao's Chicken**
Let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey with General Tao's chicken. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a food enthusiast seeking new culinary horizons, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
GENERAL TAO CHICKEN
Great chicken that tastes the same as the one served in the Chinese restaurants, without the deep frying. Serve on steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
Provided by Mel
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Coat the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup of cornstarch; set aside.
- Beat the eggs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in the flour and baking powder until no large lumps remain. Mix in the chicken until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Drop in the chicken pieces; cook until golden brown and no longer pink on the inside, about 12 minutes. Set the chicken aside; keep warm.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high and stir in the sesame oil, ginger, and green onion. Cook and stir until the onion is limp and the ginger begins to brown, about 1 minute. Pour in the water, vinegar, and sugar; bring to a boil. Dissolve the cornstarch in the soy sauce and add to the simmering vinegar along with the oyster sauce and ketchup. Stir until the sauce has thickened and is no longer cloudy. Stir in the chicken and simmer until hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 522.4 calories, Carbohydrate 34.5 g, Cholesterol 148.1 mg, Fat 26.8 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 35.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 1054.6 mg, Sugar 19.4 g
GENERAL TAO'S CHICKEN
One of the best tasting General Tao's recipes ever.
Provided by barbara lentz
Categories Chicken
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- 1. For the sauce place all ingredients except for cornstarch and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Mix the cornstarch and water together and add to the sauce ingredients. Let cook 1 minute to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 2. Heat oil to fry the chicken to 350 degrees. Mix one cup of tempura flour with 1 cup of cold water. Place the remaining tempura flour in a shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the dry tempura flour then dredge in the tempura batter. Deep fry until browned in batches. Drain on paper towels.
- 3. Cook the broccoli florets in salted boiling water for about 4 minutes just until they are crisp tender not mushy.
- 4. Add oil to large wok or skillet. Add the shallots, chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes on top. Pour the sauce over the top and cook for 2 minutes.Top with scallions
Tips:
- Use a good quality soy sauce. The soy sauce is a key ingredient in this dish, so it's important to use a good quality one. Look for a soy sauce that is naturally brewed and has a rich, complex flavor.
- Don't overcook the chicken. The chicken should be cooked until it is just cooked through, but not overcooked. Otherwise, it will become tough and dry.
- Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. A cornstarch slurry is a mixture of cornstarch and water that is used to thicken sauces. It's important to use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour, because flour can make the sauce cloudy.
- Garnish the dish with green onions and sesame seeds. Green onions and sesame seeds add a pop of color and flavor to the dish. They're also a traditional garnish for General Tao chicken.
Conclusion:
General Tao chicken is a delicious and popular dish that is easy to make at home. By following these tips, you can make a General Tao chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give General Tao chicken a try.
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