Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins | Servings: 4-5 people
This General Tso’s Chicken is one of my favorite Chinese takeouts with the perfect combination of savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Super easy to make and ready in under thirty minutes!
Ingredients
SAUCE/CHICKEN MARINADE:
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce – light or all-purpose (NOT dark soy)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (sub white wine vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil, toasted preferably
1 tablespoon cornflour/cornstarch
¾ c. chicken stock/broth, low sodium
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili paste, any (Sambal Oelak is great)
CHICKEN:
1 teaspoon garlic, finely grated
600 grams/1.4-pound chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into
1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated
1 c. cornflour/cornstarch
1-4 c. oil, for frying (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
2.5cm /1-inch pieces (breast/tenderloin)
STIR FRY SAUCE:
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ginger, finely chopped
½ tsp red chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
GARNISHES (AT LEAST 1 RECOMMENDED):
Sesame seeds
Finely sliced green onion
How to make General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: To make the sauce-marinade, whisk the soy, hoisin, vinegar, chili, and sesame oil until well combined.
Step 2: Toss the chicken in 2 tbsp sauce-marinade. Then, add the ginger and garlic. Mix and marinate for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Into the chicken, add the cornflour and toss to coat, making sure every piece of the chicken is completely coated.
Step 4: Place the chicken into a colander and shake to get rid of the excess cornflour.
Step 5: Add the sugar and cornflour into the rest of the sauce-marinade and mix well. Then, stir in the chicken stock.
Step 6: In a deep skillet or large pot, pour oil enough to fill up to 2cm/4-5-inch oil and heat to 200 degrees C or 390 degrees F. Then, add the chicken and sear for about 3 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway. On a paper towel-lined plate, transfer the cooked chicken.
Step 7: Discard the oil and wipe the skillet clean. Place the skillet on the stove. Alternatively, you can use another large skillet.
Step 8: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic along with the ginger and chili flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often, until the garlic is lightly golden. Pour in the sauce and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened enough, stirring often.
Step 9: Then, quickly toss in the chicken.
Step 10: Serve the chicken right away garnished with some sesame seeds and/or finely sliced green onion. Enjoy with your preferred rice!
NUTRITION FACTS:
Calories: 465cal (23%)Carbohydrates: 22g (7%)Protein: 32g (64%)Fat: 28g (43%)Saturated Fat: 14g (88%)Cholesterol: 143mg (48%)Sodium: 974mg (42%)Potassium: 446mg (13%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 10g (11%)Vitamin A: 110IU (2%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 26mg (3%)Iron: 2mg (11%)