5 from 90 votes
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.
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
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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: 4 servings of about 1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 111
% 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.