General Tso Sauce Recipe

User Reviews

5

90 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings of about 1/4 cup

  • Calories

    111 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Asian, Chinese

General Tso Sauce Recipe

This General Tso Sauce recipe combines rice vinegar, soy and hoisin sauces, chicken broth, fresh ginger, and a balance of white and brown sugars to create a thick, tangy, and mildly sweet sauce. Cornstarch thickens the sauce to a glossy consistency, suitable for coating fried chicken or vegetables. This homemade version uses fresh aromatics for a more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought alternatives.

Description

The General Tso Sauce balances sourness from rice vinegar, savory depth from low sodium soy and hoisin sauces, and sweetness from combined white and brown sugars. Fresh minced ginger adds sharpness and aroma, complemented by garlic powder and a touch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Chicken broth provides body, and cornstarch thickens the sauce to a smooth, glossy finish.

Mixed and simmered until thick, this sauce clings well to foods like fried chicken or tofu, delivering layered flavors typical of this popular Chinese-American condiment. The emphasis on fresh ginger and proper whisking prevents lumps and ensures smoothness.

Use immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container after cooling, making it convenient for multiple uses.

Alternatives such as Chinkiang vinegar or substituting hoisin with barbecue sauce mixed with Sriracha and five-spice powder are noted for flavor variations. The recipe also mentions adjusting garlic intensity by choosing between fresh minced garlic and garlic powder.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced, fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, add all the ingredients and whisk to combine. Place it over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it starts to simmer.
  2. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Once the sauce is thickened, remove from heat.
  3. Use immediately, or let cool and transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for a brighter flavor compared to powdered alternatives.
  • Whisk ingredients well before cooking to prevent lumps and ensure smooth sauce thickening.
  • If hoisin sauce is unavailable, substitute with a mix of barbecue sauce, Sriracha, and Chinese five-spice powder.
  • Chinkiang vinegar can replace rice vinegar for a deeper, more complex flavor.
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future meals.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 111kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 0g (0%) Saturated Fat 0g (0%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 1322mg (55%) Potassium 85mg (2%) Fiber 0g (0%) Sugar 20g (40%) Vitamin A 35IU (1%) Vitamin C 2.1mg (2%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 0.7mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings of about 1/4 cup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 111 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 111kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1322mg 55%
Potassium 85mg 2%
Fiber 0g 0%
Sugar 20g 40%
Vitamin A 35IU 1%
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 0.7mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

90 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Kung Pao Shrimp

Chinese
5.0 (12 reviews)

Potstickers

Chinese
5.0 (18 reviews)

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Asian, Chinese
5.0 (18 reviews)

Beer Cheese Dip

American
5.0 (18 reviews)

Chicken Chow Mein

Chinese
5.0 (3 reviews)

Hunan Chicken

Chinese
5.0 (54 reviews)

Chipotle Guacamole (Copycat)

Mexican
5.0 (18 reviews)

Buffalo Wing Sauce

American
5.0 (24 reviews)

Beef Chow Fun

Chinese
5.0 (24 reviews)

Chicken Teriyaki

Asian
5.0 (81 reviews)

Cream of Chicken Soup (Condensed)

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Shake Shack Sauce (Copycat)

American
5.0 (12 reviews)