General Tso's Chicken
User Reviews
4.5
-
Prep Time
45 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Additional Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
621 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Asian
General Tso's Chicken
Description
This recipe for General Tso's Chicken starts with chicken breast pieces marinated in a mixture of hoisin sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water, infusing the meat with a balance of sweet and savory flavors and beginning the tenderizing process. The marinade is then divided to be used both for marinating and later as the base for the sauce. After marinating, chicken is coated in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, baking soda, and leftover marinade, and egg whites for a light but crispy coating once fried.
While the chicken fries in hot vegetable oil to golden crispness, the sauce is prepared separately by sautéing garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes, then simmering with the marinade until thick and glossy. When the chicken is cooked, it's tossed in the warm sauce to evenly coat each piece. The dish is typically garnished with sliced green onions and served hot, delivering a harmony of crispy texture and a richly flavored coating that's both tangy and mildly spiced.
Understanding doneness cues for chicken and frying temperature helps achieve the right texture. The marinade’s division allows a balance between flavor absorption and sauce consistency, and the inclusion of baking soda in the coating mix contributes to a light fried crust.
Ingredients
For the Marinade & Sauce:
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ cups water
- 1½ pounds chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces, boneless skinless
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 tablespoons ginger grated fresh
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
For Coating & Frying:
- 3 egg white
- 1½ cups cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1-2 green onions thinly sliced (optional, garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Whisk the hoisin sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Of this mixture, place 6 tablespoons into a zip lock storage bag and add the chicken; seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Set aside the remaining marinade in the bowl.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken is chilling in the marinade, heat the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add 2 cups of the hoisin marinade to the skillet and simmer, whisking constantly, until the mixture is dark brown and thickened. Remove from heat and cover to keep the sauce warm.
- Prepare the Coatings: Whisk the egg whites in a shallow dish until foamy; set aside. Combine the cornstarch, flour, baking soda, and remaining hoisin marinade in a second shallow dish; mix until it resembles coarse meal.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and from the marinade. Pat the marinated chicken dry with paper towels. Toss half the chicken into the foamy egg whites until well coated, then dredge the chicken in the cornstarch mixture, pressing to adhere. Transfer the coated chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat until the oil registers 350 degrees. Fry half the chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes, turning each piece halfway through cooking. Transfer the cooked chicken onto a paper towel lined plate to drain. Return the oil to 350 degrees before frying again. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Finish: Warm the sauce over medium heat until simmering. Turn off the heat and add the fried chicken pieces. Toss to coat and serve with sliced green onions to garnish, as well. White jasmine rice and steamed broccoli are favorite sides here!
Notes
- Nutritional values are calculated per serving; adjust portions accordingly for desired servings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 621 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 621kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 86g | 29% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1696mg | 71% |
| Potassium | 778mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 155IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 3.5mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.3mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
You'll Also Love
