Why Make This Recipe
Making Homemade General Tso’s Chicken is a great idea for anyone craving a popular and delicious dish. It combines tender chicken with a rich, tangy sauce that is simply irresistible. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients, ensuring it’s just the way you like it. It’s a fun and rewarding recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
How to Make Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup General Tso’s sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, marinate the diced chicken in soy sauce for 15 minutes.
- Toss the marinated chicken in cornstarch until coated.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for one minute.
- Pour in General Tso’s sauce and stir until chicken is coated.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm with rice noodles or fried rice.
How to Serve Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
Homemade General Tso’s Chicken is best served warm. You can place it over a bed of rice or accompany it with fried rice for a complete meal. Adding some steamed vegetables on the side can also enhance the meal and provide a colorful presentation. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for added texture!
How to Store Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
- For extra crispiness, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it in egg wash before tossing it in cornstarch.
- Don’t rush the marinating step; it helps to infuse flavor into the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of General Tso’s sauce to suit your taste preferences—more for a stronger flavor, less for a milder dish.
Variations
You can switch things up by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein choice. You can also add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to create a more colorful and nutritious meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it is fully thawed before marinating.
2. Is General Tso’s chicken spicy?
It typically has a mild sweetness with a hint of heat. You can adjust the spice level by choosing a spicier sauce or adding crushed red pepper.
3. Can I make General Tso’s chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.
General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce for marinating the chicken
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for coating the chicken
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1/4 cup General Tso's sauce add more or less depending on taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, marinate the diced chicken in soy sauce for 15 minutes.
- Toss the marinated chicken in cornstarch until coated.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for one minute.
- Pour in General Tso's sauce and stir until chicken is coated.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serving
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm with rice noodles or fried rice.
