If you think General Tso's chicken is just your average takeout dish, think again! You've got classic crispy chicken, a spicy version that'll make your taste buds dance, and even a healthier baked option. Plus, there's a vegetarian twist that's just as bold. Intrigued? Get ready to whip up some deliciousness in your kitchen, because each recipe brings something unique to the table, and you won't want to miss out on trying them all!
Classic General Tso's Chicken
Classic General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy fried chicken pieces with a sweet and spicy sauce. This dish is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and is known for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, making General Tso's Chicken at home can be easier than you might think. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
To prepare the chicken, start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until they're golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
When making General Tso's Chicken, it's important to ascertain that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, as this will help achieve that perfect crispy texture. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, it's ready.
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 30 minutes before frying. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy!
Spicy General Tso's Chicken
Spicy General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy, tender chicken pieces with a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
With a crispy coating that locks in juiciness and a sauce that packs a punch, making Spicy General Tso's Chicken at home can easily become a favorite weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this deliciously spicy twist on a classic dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger for about 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour. After marinating, coat each piece of chicken first in the beaten eggs, then in the cornstarch-flour mixture, ensuring they're well covered.
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
In a separate pan, combine the remaining marinade (after removing any raw chicken juices) and heat until it thickens slightly. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crunch, consider double-frying the chicken: fry it once until lightly golden, remove, let it rest for a few minutes, and then fry it again until crispy.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili paste or replace it with a milder sauce. Pair this dish with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to balance the heat and improve the overall meal.
Finally, remember to adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste preference—more sugar for sweetness, more chili for heat, or more soy sauce for saltiness. Enjoy your homemade Spicy General Tso's Chicken!
Healthy Baked General Tso's Chicken
Healthy Baked General Tso's Chicken is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. By using lean chicken breast and baking instead of frying, this version markedly reduces the calories and fat content, while still delivering that signature sweet and tangy flavor.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe is easy to make and packed with protein, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set up a breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. While the chicken bakes, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce and serve garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips:
For an even healthier approach, consider using air-fried chicken instead of baking, which can give you a similar crispy texture with less oil.
If you want to add some vegetables, toss in steamed broccoli or bell peppers when serving for added color and nutrition. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
This dish pairs wonderfully with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy your healthier version of General Tso's Chicken!
General Tso's Cauliflower for a Vegetarian Twist
General Tso's Cauliflower is a delightful vegetarian twist on the traditional General Tso's Chicken, bringing the same bold flavors and satisfying crunch without the meat. This dish features crispy cauliflower florets coated in a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious meal that will impress even the most dedicated meat lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by preheating the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
While the oil is heating, toss the cauliflower florets in cornstarch until they're fully coated.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cornstarch-coated cauliflower in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Remove the cauliflower and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Then add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil, stirring until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
Toss the fried cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crispy texture, you can double fry the cauliflower by letting them rest for a few minutes after the first fry and then frying them again for an additional 2-3 minutes.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can also bake the cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Adjust the chili paste based on your heat preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a more colorful dish.
Finally, serve your General Tso's Cauliflower with steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Honey Garlic General Tso's Chicken
Honey Garlic General Tso's Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic takeout favorite, blending the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic with crispy chicken. This dish isn't only easy to prepare but also promises to impress your family and friends with its rich taste and appealing presentation.
Perfectly glazed chicken pieces are paired with a savory sauce that raises the dish to a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy right at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and flour mixture, then dip them in the beaten eggs to create a batter.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
In a separate pan, combine minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips:
For an even crispier texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken; you can test this by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles, it's ready.
Additionally, for a healthier twist, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of honey to your taste.
Finally, serve this dish over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.