**General Tao's Chicken: A Culinary Journey Through Szechuan and American Flavors**
General Tao's chicken, a beloved dish that seamlessly blends the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with the comforting familiarity of American ingredients, embarks on a culinary journey that tantalizes taste buds and captivates hearts. This delectable dish, often served as the star of Chinese takeout menus, has become a cherished favorite for its crispy, savory chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that ignites the senses. Our collection of General Tao's chicken recipes offers a diverse selection of culinary interpretations, each capturing the essence of this iconic dish while adding unique twists and variations. From classic renditions that honor the traditional flavors to contemporary interpretations that introduce exciting new dimensions, these recipes cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned home cook seeking to recreate the magic of your favorite takeout dish or a culinary adventurer eager to explore the depths of Szechuan flavors, our recipes will guide you on an unforgettable culinary journey.
GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN
There's been a lot of rumor about the origins of this dish; I'll let others fight it out and just focus on its deliciousness! I think that the human palate is drawn to the combination of savory, sour, sweet, salty and spicy. I think that's why we all love this dish. There's a huge difference between the popular sambal oelek and Chinese chili garlic sauce. Sambal is very easy to find but it's twice as hot as chili garlic. So, if you are using sambal, use half the amount.
Provided by Jet Tila
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- For the chicken: Place your broccoli florets in a medium bowl and add 2 tablespoons water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes, until tender. Drain and set aside until ready to use.
- Heat the oil in a 4-quart (3.8-liter) Dutch oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) using a frying thermometer. Rinse the chicken in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Mix 1 1/2 cups (335 grams) of the tempura flour and 1 cup (240 milliliters) water into a thick batter. It should look like thick pancake batter. Dredge the chicken cubes in the 1 cup (223 grams) of tempura flour and then coat them in the batter. Fry them in two batches until golden brown and crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the chicken on paper towels or a rack.
- Heat a wok or large skillet to high and add 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of oil. When you see the first wisps of white smoke, stir in the fried chicken, onion, chiles, broccoli, and 1/3 of the ginger and garlic and cook them for about 30 seconds.
- For the sauce: While the chicken cooks, add the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch slurry, red food coloring if using, 1/3 cup water and the remaining chopped ginger and garlic into a 1-quart (946-millileter) saucepan and bring the heat up to medium. Whisk gently as it comes to a simmer. Allow it to simmer and keep whisking it for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and reserve it.
- Stir in the sauce and allow it to coat the chicken and simmer. Cook it, folding all the ingredients until they are well coated, about 2 minutes. Garnish with the scallions.
GENERAL TSAO'S CHICKEN
An Asian chicken recipe without the typical oriental taste. This recipe was voted one of the top 10 dishes in Columbus by Columbus Monthly Magazine, as prepared by Chef Paul Kaewprasart of the Siam Oriental Restaurant. I modified it slightly, and it goes great over white rice as a main dish for any number of people.
Provided by Chuck Cade
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- To Make Sauce: In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup water. Mix together. Add garlic, ginger, sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce and white wine vinegar. Then add chicken broth and monosodium glutamate and stir all together until sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until needed.
- To Prepare Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine chicken, 1/2 cup soy sauce and white pepper. Stir in egg. Add 1 cup cornstarch and stir until chicken is evenly coated. Add oil to help separate chicken pieces. Divide chicken into small quantities and deep fry at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- To Make Mixture: Place a small amount of oil in wok and heat until wok is hot. Add scallions and dried chile peppers and stir-fry briefly. Remove sauce from refrigerator and stir. Add sauce to wok. Then add fried chicken and cook until sauce thickens (add cornstarch or water as needed until sauce is as thick as you like it).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 841.5 calories, Carbohydrate 60.7 g, Cholesterol 162.8 mg, Fat 40.5 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 56.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 2056.6 mg, Sugar 26.4 g
GENERAL TSAO'S CHICKEN II
A genuinely mouthwatering dish with an Asian kick that will knock your chopsticks off! Don't be fooled by other General Tsao impostors: this is simply the best Chinese chicken you will ever have. With a flair of peanut oil, a streak of sesame, a dash of orange, and a sweet spot for hot, this is sure to be a favorite. Just don't forget to deep-fry twice! Serve with steamed broccoli and white rice.
Provided by ChefDaddy
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Beat the egg in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken cubes; sprinkle with salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and white pepper; mix well. Mix in 1 cup of cornstarch a little bit at a time until the chicken cubes are well coated.
- In batches, carefully drop the chicken cubes into the hot oil one by one, cooking until they turns golden brown and begin to float, about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and allow to cool as you fry the next batch. Once all of the chicken has been fried, refry the chicken, starting with the batch that was cooked first. Cook until the chicken turns deep golden brown, about 2 minutes more. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the green onion, garlic, whole chiles, and orange zest. Cook and stir a minute or two until the garlic has turned golden and the chiles brighten. Add 1/2 cup sugar, the ginger, chicken broth, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and peanut oil; bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
- Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into the water, and stir into the boiling sauce. Return to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens and is no longer cloudy from the cornstarch, about 1 minute. Stir the chicken into the boiling sauce. Reduce heat to low and cook for a few minutes until the chicken absorbs some of the sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.5 calories, Carbohydrate 54.9 g, Cholesterol 101.1 mg, Fat 36.5 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 1191.6 mg, Sugar 17.7 g
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 TSO'S CHICKEN
This is the classic that is so popular in Chinese restaurants. Banana sauce can be found in Asian stores. It is made in the Philippines. If you can't get it substitute ketchup.
Provided by CRAIG
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat 4 cups of peanut oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl; whisk in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and the cornstarch. Mix in the chicken until all the pieces are coated with batter. Drop into the hot oil a piece at a time; cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, about 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Stir together the vinegar, wine, sugar, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the banana ketchup in a small bowl until smooth; set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the dried chile peppers and cook for a few seconds until the peppers brighten. Stir in the onion, garlic, and orange zest. Cook and stir until the onion is beginning to brown. Stir in the sauce; bring to a boil before adding the fried chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and stir until the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce, a few minutes longer. Serve sprinkled with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 2474.9 calories, Carbohydrate 52.6 g, Cholesterol 161.4 mg, Fat 243.7 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 28.7 g, SaturatedFat 41.7 g, Sodium 949.2 mg, Sugar 11.1 g
GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: vegetable oil, rice wine, soy sauce, boneless, skinless chicken thighs, flour, salt, vegetable oil, fresh garlic, fresh ginger, dried chili pod, rice wine, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, water, green onion, white rice
Provided by Michael Price
Categories Dinner
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup rice wine (240 ml), ¼ cup (60 ml) of soy sauce, and cubed chicken thighs. Stir and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour.
- In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour (125 g) and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Remove chicken from wine/soy marinade and place in flour mixture. Mix thoroughly, until all the chicken pieces are coated.
- Fill a dutch oven or large pot at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep with vegetable oil. Heat oil to 365˚F (185˚C). Place chicken pieces in frying oil, stirring occasionally. Fry until they are golden brown, roughly 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from oil and set aside to drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- In a large skillet, bring one tablespoon of vegetable oil to medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring frequently for one minute.
- Add dried chili pods. Continue stirring for 30 seconds before adding rice wine, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sugar. Stir occasionally until mixture is bubbling.
- Add cornstarch slurry, stirring frequently. The sauce should begin to thicken in a minute or less.
- Add cooked chicken pieces, stirring them to coat with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and rice.
- Nutrition Calories: 4192 Fat: 434 grams Carbs: 55 grams Fiber: 3 grams Sugars: 18 grams Protein: 33 grams
- Enjoy!
GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN
A favourite dish in Chinese restaurants, try making your own General Tso's chicken. It looks complicated but get all the components ready and it's quite easy
Provided by Diana Henry
Categories Dinner, Main course, Supper
Time 40m
Yield Serves 4 along with other dishes
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- For the chicken, mix the egg white with the potato flour in a bowl, then add the soy sauce, Shaohsing wine (or sherry) and the chicken. Turn the chicken over to coat it.
- For the sauce, mix together the tomato purée, 2-3 tbsp water, potato flour, soy sauces, rice vinegar, sugar and Shaohsing wine and set this aside. Snip the chillies into 5cm lengths, discarding the seeds.
- Heat the oil in a wok and cook the garlic, ginger and chillies over a medium heat until they're aromatic and beginning to soften, but not brown.
- Mix the cornflour and plain flour for the coating with salt and pepper and tip into a broad shallow bowl. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip it in the flour mix and set the pieces onto a tray.
- Pour enough oil into a deep pan to come 8cm up the sides. Heat until it reaches 200C (if you drop in a test piece of chicken, it should sizzle straight away). Carefully add half the chicken pieces and fry until they're crisp and golden - agitating the pieces to make sure they don't stick together - about 4 mins. Lift the pieces out with a slotted spoon onto a double layer of kitchen paper. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
- Heat the wok, add the sauce mixture to the garlic, ginger and chillies in there and cook, stirring, until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Add the chicken and half the spring onions and warm everything through. Serve with the sesame seeds and the rest of the spring onions scattered on top. This doesn't give you huge servings so it's best to offer another dish with it, as well as boiled rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 430 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 34 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 10 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 30 grams protein, Sodium 3.1 milligram of sodium
SUPER-EASY GENERAL TSO CHICKEN
This is not authentic General Tso's Chicken, but it's a recipe I developed and it tastes quite similar. It's easy and requires no "odd" ingredients. You can either batter your chicken before adding to the sauce or just stir-fry your plain chicken, it's up to you. This makes plenty of sauce- I don't like dry General Tso's. After reading several reviews, I would just like to add that I must use VERY mild hot sauce, because I am definitely NOT someone who likes super-hot stuff and several have complained that it's too hot. I would have to say that it probably varies according to your brand of hot sauce, so be warned! :-)
Provided by DragonFly2
Categories Poultry
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix the soy sauce, water, hot sauce, sugar, boullion, and ginger in a saucepan and heat until boiling. Cut the heat down and simmer while you prepare the chicken.
- Take your chicken and cut into bite-size cubes. Now, at this point you can either use a boxed batter mix to add a coating on it (and deep-fry according to the box mix), or you can just stir-fry your plain chicken in a little oil until thoroughly cooked.
- Going back to your sauce, use the cornstarch in water to thicken it. Then add your cooked chicken. If you battered your chicken, it's ready to eat (don't leave the battered chicken too long before eating or it will get soggy). If you stir-fried plain chicken, use this time to simmer it awhile and prepare your veggies and rice.
- Serve this chicken over the veggies and rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.3, Fat 3.9, SaturatedFat 0.9, Cholesterol 75.8, Sodium 3187.2, Carbohydrate 110.2, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 51.2, Protein 33.8
Tips:
- Use a good quality soy sauce. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- Don't skimp on the garlic and ginger. These ingredients add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
- Use fresh vegetables. This will give your dish a more vibrant flavor and color.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Chicken is best when it is cooked through but still tender and juicy.
- Serve the dish immediately. General Tao's chicken is best when it is served hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
General Tao's chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With its sweet and savory sauce and crispy chicken, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give General Tao's chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!
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