How to Make General Tso's Chicken - A Step-by-Step Guide

General Tso's chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of spiciness. This dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and has become a favorite takeout option for many people. The dish is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader, although there is little evidence linking him to the dish.

The dish typically consists of deep-fried chicken pieces that are coated in a thick, flavorful sauce made from...

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon banana ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 6 dried whole red chilies
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons minced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Heat 4 cups of peanut oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl; whisk in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and the cornstarch. Mix in the chicken until all the pieces are coated with batter. Drop into the hot oil a piece at a time; cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, about 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Stir together the vinegar, wine, sugar, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the banana ketchup in a small bowl until smooth; set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the dried chile peppers and cook for a few seconds until the peppers brighten. Stir in the onion, garlic, and orange zest. Cook and stir until the onion is beginning to brown. Stir in the sauce; bring to a boil before adding the fried chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and stir until the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce, a few minutes longer. Serve sprinkled with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
  • Nutrition

    2475 cal.

    • Total Fat: 244g
    • Saturated Fat: 42g
    • Cholesterol: 161mg
    • Sodium: 949mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 53g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 29g
    • Vitamin C: 9mg
    • Calcium: 108mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 715mg