General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. It is characterized by its crispy deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. The dish is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader from Hunan province, China. However, it’s worth noting that the dish itself does not have a direct connection to General Tso or his culinary preferences.
The origins of General Tso’s chicken can be traced back to the 1970s when it first appeared on Chinese-American restaurant menus. It is believed to have been created by a Taiwanese chef named Peng Chang-kuei, who was known for his innovative take on traditional Chinese cuisine. Peng had a deep understanding of Hunanese cooking techniques and flavors, and he sought to create a dish that combined sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
The taste profile of General Tso’s chicken is a delightful balance of different flavors. The chicken is usually marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch, which helps to tenderize the meat and add a savory base. The chicken is then deep-fried until it becomes golden and crispy. The sauce, which is the highlight of the dish, is a blend of ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers. It creates a harmonious combination of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
The dish’s texture is another appealing aspect, with the crispy exterior of the chicken contrasting with the tender meat inside. The sauce glazes the chicken, giving it a glossy appearance and a sticky texture. Often garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, General Tso’s chicken offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavors in every bite.
Over the years, General Tso’s chicken has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and has been adapted to suit different regional tastes. While the dish is not commonly found in traditional Chinese cuisine, its widespread popularity has made it an iconic and beloved dish in many parts of the world, showcasing the fusion of flavors and culinary creativity that can emerge from cultural exchange.
General Tso’s chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- – 1.5 lbs 700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- – 1/2 cup cornstarch
- – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- – Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- – 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- – 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- – 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- – 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- – 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
For garnish:
- – 2 green onions thinly sliced
- – Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Remove all but about 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet, and return it to medium-high heat. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss until they are well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
