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General Tso's Chicken That Tastes Better Than Takeout

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

General Tso's Chicken

Cultural Context

General Tso's Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, often served in Chinese restaurants across the United States. It is named after a 19th-century Chinese military leader, but its origins are debated, with some attributing its creation to chefs in the U.S. in the 1970s. The dish is characterized by its sweet and spicy sauce, making it a favorite among diners.

ChineseCNmain
45 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup cold water
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
olive oil

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians; chicken thighs are often cheaper than breasts.

1

Start by making the sauce: in a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup cold water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 3 tablespoons brown sugar. Whisk together and set aside.

2

Prepare the chicken: cut 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place in a gallon size storage bag.

3

Add 1 cup of cornstarch to the bag with the chicken, seal it, and shake to coat the chicken evenly.

4

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring there are about 2 inches of oil in the skillet.

5

Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.

6

Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

7

Once all the chicken is cooked, remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

8

Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir to heat until fragrant.

Cooking Techniques

fryingstir-frying

Equipment Needed

large deep skilletgallon size storage bagmixing bowlwhisktongs

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Allergens

soyegg
📝

Note

Origin of the dish is debated; some sources claim it was created in the U.S. rather than China.

Also Known As

General Tso'sTso's Chicken

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