Are you a fan of Chinese takeout? If so, you’re likely familiar with General Tso’s Chicken—a delicious blend of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors that leaves you craving more. But did you know you can make this iconic dish at home? Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own mouthwatering General Tso’s Chicken from scratch!
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3-4 dried red chilies (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces, tossing them to coat evenly in the mixture.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sugar until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil and vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
- Cook for another minute or two, ensuring the chicken is evenly glazed and heated through.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect General Tso’s Chicken:
- For an extra crispy texture, double fry the chicken by frying a second time for 1-2 minutes after the initial fry.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of red pepper flakes and dried chilies.
- Serve your General Tso’s Chicken with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
With this easy-to-follow guide, you can enjoy the bold flavors of General Tso’s Chicken anytime, right from your own kitchen. Happy cooking!