General Tso’s Chicken (25 Minutes)

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General Tso’s Chicken is a popular and flavorful Chinese dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. The chicken is lightly coated in cornstarch and stir-fried to achieve a crispy texture, and then tossed in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices. The result is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s get started!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are well coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  3. In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with garlic and ginger.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
  7. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over cooked rice and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition if desired. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken immediately to maintain its crispiness and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Pair this with...

Stir-Fried Chinese Kale

Grab a bunch of fresh Chinese kale and give them a rinse. Chop 'em into manageable pieces, but keep those lovely leaves intact. Now, for the sauce: mix together about 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, a splash of soy sauce, and a little sugar to balance the saltiness. Heat up a wok or large pan over medium-high heat, drizzle in some oil, and sauté a handful of minced garlic till it's aromatic but not burnt. Toss in the kale, giving it a good stir until it's just starting to wilt. Pour in your sauce, making sure every leafy bit is coated in that savory goodness. Let it cook for a couple more minutes, until the stems are tender-crisp.

Egg Drop Soup

Start by heating up 4 cups of chicken broth in a pot. While that's warming up, whisk 2 eggs in a bowl. Once the broth is hot (but not boiling), slowly drizzle in those whisked eggs while stirring the soup. You'll see silky egg ribbons forming - that's the magic happening! Season it with some salt, white pepper, and a splash of sesame oil for that authentic flavor. Want to jazz it up? Toss in some sliced green onions, mushrooms, or even a handful of frozen corn or peas.

Homemade Spring Rolls

Start by grabbing some spring roll wrappers; you'll find them at most Asian grocery stores. For the filling, combine finely shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced green onions, minced garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and some cooked minced chicken or shrimp, if you fancy. Lay out a wrapper, place a tablespoon of filling near the bottom corner, fold the sides in and roll up. Seal the edge with a bit of water or egg wash. Now, heat some oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, gently slide in the rolls, a few at a time, frying until golden and crispy, which is usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels, serve with sweet chili or soy sauce, and enjoy the crunch!

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