Are you craving some mouth-watering Chinese takeout but want to try your hand at recreating it at home? Look no further than this delectable recipe for Chinese General Tso Chicken! This iconic dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. With crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a rich and sticky sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for cozy nights in or entertaining guests. Let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up this delicious recipe together!
**Chinese General Tso Chicken**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 3 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are fully covered. Then dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary, cooking until the chicken is golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the green onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the green onions and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the fried chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the flavorful sauce. Stir well to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
7. Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Serve the Chinese General Tso Chicken hot over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.
Enjoy this homemade Chinese General Tso Chicken with your family and friends. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors is sure to make it a regular feature on your dinner table. Feel free to customize the spice level according to your preferences, and don’t be afraid to experiment with adding veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost. Happy cooking!
