Chinese Recipes: General Tso's Chicken - A Delicious Guide to Making This Iconic Dish at Home

### DescriptionGeneral Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish that has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. Originating from Chinese culinary traditions, t……

### Description

General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish that has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. Originating from Chinese culinary traditions, this dish has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world. If you're looking to recreate this iconic meal in the comfort of your own kitchen, you've come to the right place. In this detailed guide, we will explore the origins of General Tso's Chicken, its key ingredients, and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to make this delicious dish at home.

#### The Origins of General Tso's Chicken

Despite its name, General Tso's Chicken does not have a direct connection to the historical figure General Tso Tsung-t'ang, a 19th-century Chinese military leader. The dish was first popularized in the United States in the 1970s, and its creation is often attributed to Chinese chefs who sought to cater to American tastes. Over the years, this dish has evolved, and it is now known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, often served with steamed broccoli and rice.

#### Key Ingredients for General Tso's Chicken

To create an authentic General Tso's Chicken, you will need the following key ingredients:

1. **Chicken**: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are commonly used. The thighs provide a juicier bite, while the breasts are leaner.

2. **Cornstarch**: This is used to coat the chicken before frying, giving it a crispy texture.

3. **Soy Sauce**: A key ingredient in the sauce, soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor.

4. **Rice Vinegar**: This ingredient provides acidity and balances the sweetness of the sauce.

5. **Sugar**: Brown sugar or granulated sugar is used to create the sweet flavor profile that General Tso's Chicken is known for.

6. **Garlic and Ginger**: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add aromatic flavors that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

7. **Dried Red Chilies**: These are often added to give the dish its signature spicy kick.

8. **Sesame Oil**: A drizzle of sesame oil at the end of cooking adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish.

#### Step-by-Step Recipe for General Tso's Chicken

Now that we have an understanding of the dish's origins and key ingredients, let's dive into the step-by-step recipe for making General Tso's Chicken at home.

**Ingredients:**

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1/2 cup cornstarch

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 4-6 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- Steamed broccoli and cooked rice for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken**: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully coated. This will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.

2. **Make the Sauce**: In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Set aside.

3. **Fry the Chicken**: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. **Cook the Sauce**: In the same skillet, add the dried red chilies and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.

5. **Combine**: Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6. **Serve**: Serve the General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Pair it with steamed broccoli and fluffy rice for a complete meal.

#### Conclusion

Making General Tso's Chicken at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to enjoy this delicious dish tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it spicier or sweeter, you can adjust the ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you're craving a taste of Chinese-American cuisine. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful recipe!