Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Yield: 6 Servings
You can forget about the other recipes for General Tso’s Chicken because this is the most authentic one! This is a must-try recipe if you are a fan of the dish. You will not be disappointed!
Ingredients:
FOR THE CHICKEN
3½ c peanut oil for frying, plus an extra tbsp for the marinade mixture.
1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine
2 Egg yolks
2¼ pounds of chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 to 2-inch chunks
⅔ c corn starch
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
FOR THE SAUCE
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar can use Shaoxing wine
¼ c brown sugar we like dark
2 tablespoons corn starch
¾ c chicken stock, unsalted
FOR STIR-FRYING
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ginger, fresh, finely chopped
6 tablespoons peanut oil for frying (about ½ c)
6 small dried red chiles arbul or Thai red peppers work well, ends snipped and slightly cut down the middle
FOR SERVING
2 c steamed white rice
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
1 tablespoon scallions of green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients for the sauce. Stir everything until well blended.
In another bowl, add the chicken slices together with egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of peanut oil, and soy sauces. Stir until well combined.
Add cornstarch, then toss until the chicken slices are well coated.
Place a wok on the stove and turn the heat to high.
Add 3 ½ cups of oil and allow it to become hot.
Add the chicken in batches, then cook for about 6 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Move the chicken onto a clean plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Remove the oil from the wok, then wipe it clean.
Add about 6 tablespoons of oil and allow it to become hot over medium-high heat.
Add the ginger, garlic, and peppers. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the sauce, then stir until well blended. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes thick.
Put the chicken pieces back into the wok, then toss until well coated with the delicious sauce.
Remove from the heat, then add sesame oil and stir until well mixed.
Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds on top to garnish.
Serve with rice. Enjoy!