The Secret Ingredient Behind General Tso Chicken EXPOSED

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while tamari is gluten-free.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides a natural sweetness while brown sugar is often more affordable.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: seitan

Tofu offers a plant-based option, while seitan is a cost-effective meat substitute.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier, while canola oil is usually less expensive.

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 12 oz to 1 pound.

Prepare velveting mixture with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 tablespoon MSG, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon cornstarch or rice flour, and 1 egg white.

Mix the velveting ingredients well and coat the chicken pieces, then let marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Prepare the dredge by mixing 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch or rice flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Prepare the sauce by combining 1/4 cup chicken stock, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon ketchup, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a bowl and whisk together.

Mince garlic and ginger, using a technique to smash the garlic and cut the ginger across the fibers, then combine them with the dried chilies in a bowl.

Heat oil to 350°F for frying.

Coat marinated chicken in the dredge mixture in batches, ensuring they are well coated before frying.

Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per batch, then drain on paper towels.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens