General Tso Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 servings of about 1/4 cup
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Calories
111 kcal
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Course
Condiments
General Tso Sauce Recipe
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- Continue to cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Once the sauce is thickened, remove from heat.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.