General Tao Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It is a sweet and spicy chicken dish that is usually served with steamed rice. The dish is named after General Tao, a famous Chinese military leader from the Qing dynasty. The chicken is typically deep-fried until crispy, then coated in a tangy sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. The sauce gives the chicken a sticky and flavorful glaze that is both savory and slightly sweet.
The key to making General Tao Chicken is achieving the perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors. The sauce is made by combining ingredients such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. The sauce is then cooked until it thickens and becomes glossy. The chicken is breaded with cornstarch and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Once the chicken is cooked, it is tossed in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. The dish is garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch. General Tao Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal.
Ingredients
In order to prepare General Tao Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breast
- Corn starch
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Chicken broth
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil
- Egg
- Hot sauce or chili flakes (optional)
For this recipe, you can use either chicken thighs or chicken breast. The choice will depend on your personal preference. The chicken is coated in corn starch before frying to create a crispy texture. Soy sauce adds savory flavor to the dish, while garlic and ginger provide a fragrant aroma. Green onions are used both as a seasoning and garnish. Chicken broth, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil are combined to make the sauce that coats the chicken. Vegetable oil is used for frying, and an egg can be beaten and added to the corn starch to help the coating adhere to the chicken. Hot sauce or chili flakes can also be used to add a spicy kick to the dish, if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions for General Tao Chicken
Preparing General Tao Chicken involves several steps that ensure a flavorful and crispy dish that everyone will love. Here is a step-by-step guide to make the perfect General Tao Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
These are the initial steps to create the base of General Tao Chicken. Following these steps will result in a delicious crispy chicken ready to be coated in the signature sauce.
Tips from professional chefs for making General Tao Chicken
When preparing General Tao Chicken, professional chefs recommend the following tips to ensure the best results:
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Choose high-quality chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them perfect for this dish.
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Marinate the chicken: To infuse the chicken with flavor, marinate it for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sugar. This will enhance the taste and tenderize the meat.
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Use cornstarch for a crispy coating: Before frying the chicken, coat it in a mixture of cornstarch and egg. The cornstarch creates a crispy texture, while the egg helps the coating stick to the chicken.
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Control the oil temperature: When frying the chicken, maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t become greasy.
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Sauce consistency: The sauce for General Tao Chicken should have a thick and glossy consistency. Adjust the amount of cornstarch and water in the sauce to achieve the desired thickness.
By following these tips, you can elevate your General Tao Chicken dish and impress your guests with its authentic taste and texture. Enjoy!
Reviews
I recently tried the General Tao Chicken recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce had just the right balance of sweetness and spiciness, making it absolutely addictive. It was the perfect combination of flavors.
What I loved most about this recipe was how easy it was to make. The ingredients were simple and easy to find, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. I was able to whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in my own kitchen.
I also appreciated how customizable this recipe was. I was able to adjust the level of spiciness to suit my taste by adding more or less chili flakes. I also added some vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for added flavor and texture. It was a dish that I could truly make my own.
Overall, I highly recommend trying the General Tao Chicken recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a dish that will definitely impress your guests. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried the General Tao Chicken recipe and I must say it was a big hit. The flavors were absolutely delicious and it was surprisingly easy to make. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce had just the right balance of sweet and savory, with a subtle hint of spiciness that added an extra kick to each bite.
I was initially a little hesitant to try making General Tao Chicken at home, as I thought it might be too complicated or time-consuming. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward the recipe was. The ingredients were easy to find and the cooking process was well-explained. It took me less than an hour from start to finish, which was a lot quicker than I expected.
The end result was a plate of General Tao Chicken that looked and tasted like it came from a restaurant. The chicken was perfectly coated in the sauce, which clung to each piece and infused it with flavor. I served it over a bed of steamed rice and garnished it with some green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and crunch.
I highly recommend trying the General Tao Chicken recipe if you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily make at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of restaurant-quality General Tao Chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen.
I recently tried the General Tao Chicken and it was absolutely delicious! The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce had just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess, making it a perfect balance of flavors. I loved how the chicken was coated in the sauce, allowing every bite to be bursting with flavor.
The dish was also accompanied by a bed of steamed rice, which was the perfect complement to the chicken. The rice was light and fluffy, and it absorbed the sauce from the chicken, creating a delicious combination. The portion size was generous, and it left me feeling satisfied but not overly full.
I would highly recommend the General Tao Chicken to anyone who enjoys flavorful and satisfying Asian cuisine. The dish was not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the vibrant sauce and crispy chicken pieces. Whether you’re a fan of spicy or mild flavors, this dish can be easily customized to fit your preferences. It’s the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. I can’t wait to order it again!
I recently had the pleasure of trying the General Tao Chicken recipe, and I must say, it was an absolute delight. The combination of crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce made for a truly mouthwatering dish. The recipe was simple to follow and the end result was restaurant-quality.
The chicken itself was perfectly cooked, with a crispy and golden outer layer that gave way to tender and juicy meat. The sauce was a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It had just the right amount of heat without being overpowering. The addition of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce added depth and complexity to the dish.
I also appreciated the versatility of this recipe. I can see myself making this General Tao Chicken for a casual weeknight dinner or even for a special occasion. The dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed rice or noodles, and the leftovers taste just as delicious the next day. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine.
The General Tao Chicken dish was absolutely delicious! I am a huge fan of Chinese cuisine and this dish did not disappoint. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, which paired wonderfully with the chicken. The addition of vegetables, such as bell peppers and carrots, added a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. Overall, it was a very satisfying meal and I would highly recommend trying the General Tao Chicken!
I enjoyed the process of preparing the General Tao Chicken at home. The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were readily available. I first marinated the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch for about 30 minutes. Then, I fried the chicken until it turned golden and crispy. In a separate pan, I sautéed the vegetables with the sauce, and finally, I added the chicken back to the pan, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. The end result was a delicious plate of General Tao Chicken that tasted just as good as the one from a restaurant!
The General Tao Chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite of mine. It is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an incredibly satisfying meal. The sauce is the star of the dish, with its sticky sweetness and hint of spiciness. It coats the chicken perfectly, giving it a nice glaze and adding a burst of flavor with every bite. The dish is also incredibly versatile, as you can pair it with rice, noodles, or even enjoy it on its own. Whether you are a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking to try something new, I highly recommend giving General Tao Chicken a try.
