Easy General Tsos Recipe

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with this Easy General Tsos recipe! Enjoy a homemade version of this classic Chinese dish in no time. It is coated in a spicy and sweet sauce. It is easy to make and much better than takeout.

You may also like my other take-out favorites: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe, Teriyaki Chicken Thigh, and Shrimp Lo Mein.

Easy General Tso Recipe

I love Chinese food! I can have it every day and always cook it at home. It’s better and cheaper to make your own, too. One of my favorites is General Tso’s Chicken, a beloved Chinese-American dish that has gained popularity for its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the ingredients that make this dish irresistible, explore the step-by-step process of preparing it, and discuss the best ways to store this culinary masterpiece.

Origin of the Name

General Tso’s Chicken is named after Zuo Zongtang, a Qing dynasty military leader from China. However, there is no historical evidence linking the dish directly to him. The connection to General Tso is likely a Western invention, as the dish has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine.

Pronunciation of TSO

“TSO” is pronounced like “so.” It’s a phonetic representation of the Chinese name Zuo Zongtang.

Difference Between General Tso and Orange Chicken

While both dishes are popular Chinese-American offerings, there are some differences:

• Flavor Profile: General Tso’s Chicken tends to have a spicier and more savory flavor, while Orange Chicken is known for its sweet and tangy citrus notes.
• Sauce Ingredients: The sauces differ in ingredients; General Tso’s sauce typically includes soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar, while Orange Chicken features a sauce made with orange juice, sugar, and vinegar.
• Appearance: General Tso’s Chicken often has a reddish-brown color from adding chili sauce or red pepper flakes, while Orange Chicken has a bright orange glaze.

How to Make General Tsos

Ingredients:

• To make General Tso’s Chicken, you must start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. The choice of chicken adds a succulent texture to the dish.
• The marinade has readily available ingredients, such as soy sauce and spices, which you can buy from stores. Coating the chicken with cornstarch before frying creates a crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender meat. Soy sauce, a fundamental ingredient in Asian cuisine, is a critical dish component. Rice vinegar is added to balance the sweetness and add a subtle tang to the sauce. Garlic-infused flavors elevate the dish’s complexity. Finally, brown sugar is added to create the characteristic glaze that coats the chicken and adds sweetness.
• Red Pepper Flakes-Spicy kick to General Tso’s Chicken, Green Onions, and Sesame Seeds: Garnish the dish. A visually appealing and aromatic finish.
• Green Onion

Instructions

Coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and ginger until they release their fragrance. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Add the sauce to the garlic and ginger mixture and let it thicken. Finally, pour the sauce over the chicken pieces and stir until they are evenly coated.

How to Store General Tso’s Chicken

If you have leftovers or want to prepare General Tso’s Chicken in advance, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: 
• Freezing: General Tso’s Chicken can be frozen for more extended storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, use a microwave for smaller portions or an oven for larger quantities. Ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly to maintain its deliciousness.

Tips Easy General Tsos Recipe

Please remember the following steps to prepare the perfect General Tso’s Chicken.

• Prep the chicken by cutting it into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Use a deep frying pan or wok with enough vegetable oil for frying. Avoid overcrowding and make sure each piece gets crispy.
• Balance the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in the sauce by adjusting the sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar to your taste. Simmer the sauce until it thickens to coat the chicken nicely.
• Freshly minced garlic and ginger add depth of flavor. Ensure they are finely chopped for even distribution.
• To add flavor and visual appeal, garnish the dish.
• Customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha if you like it spicier.

• Serve immediately over steamed rice while it’s still crispy.
• For added texture and flavor, experiment with additional ingredients like broccoli, bell peppers, or cashews.
• Use high-quality soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce for the best flavor.
• Cooking is an art, so don’t be afraid to adjust ingredients and quantities based on your taste preferences.
  Why you will love it
• While I don’t have personal preferences, I hope these points showcase why many food enthusiasts widely enjoy General Tso’s Chicken.

Why you will Love it

• Flavorful Sauce: To create a rich and delicious sauce that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, you can combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and other ingredients. 
• Crispy Texture: While keeping the meat tender and juicy inside, you can coat the chicken in cornstarch to achieve a crispy texture.
• Versatility: You can adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or incorporate different proteins to your liking, as the recipe can be customized to suit your taste.
• Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors from the sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds make the dish visually appealing, and it’s an enticing and delicious meal.

• Popular Takeout Dish: General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish many people associate with delicious takeout, making it a comforting and familiar option.
• Balanced Flavors: Combining sweet and savory flavors, the umami from soy sauce and richness from sesame oil, creates a well-balanced taste profile.
• Satisfying and Filling: The combination of crispy chicken and a flavorful sauce, served over rice, makes for a satisfying and filling meal.