When it comes to popular Chinese dishes, General Tso’s Chicken is definitely one that stands out. This sweet and savory dish has become a favorite among many people all around the world, and it’s easy to see why. But what exactly is General Tso’s Chicken? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the dish, its history, and how it’s made.
The History of General Tso's Chicken
Believe it or not, General Tso’s Chicken is actually a relatively new dish. It was created in the 1970s by Chef Peng Chang-kuei, a Chinese immigrant who had opened a restaurant in New York City. Chef Peng was looking for a way to create a new dish that would appeal to American tastes, and he came up with General Tso’s Chicken.
The dish was named after General Tso, a Chinese military leader who lived in the 19th century. However, there is no evidence to suggest that General Tso had anything to do with the creation of the dish.
What Is General Tso's Chicken Made Of?
General Tso’s Chicken is made of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are first coated in a cornstarch and egg batter and then deep-fried until crispy. The chicken is then stir-fried with a sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and dried chili peppers. The sauce is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
The chicken is usually served with steamed rice, but it can also be served with noodles or vegetables. Some restaurants also add broccoli, carrots, and other vegetables to the dish to make it healthier.
How to Make General Tso's Chicken at Home
If you’re a fan of General Tso’s Chicken and you want to try making it at home, here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and eggs until smooth.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and stir to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Conclusion
General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious and popular Chinese dish that has become a favorite among many people all around the world. With its sweet and savory flavor, it’s easy to see why it has become so popular. Whether you’re eating it at a restaurant or making it at home, General Tso’s Chicken is sure to be a hit.
