General Tso's Chicken II Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Introduction

General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The first time I tasted General Tso's Chicken was at a small family-owned restaurant in my neighborhood. The crispy chicken, coated in a tangy sauce, instantly won me over. Over the years, I've tried various recipes, but the General Tso's Chicken II recipe stands out as a unique and delightful version of the classic dish. It's perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a solo meal when you're craving something delicious and satisfying.

Recipe Overview

Name of the Recipe: General Tso's Chicken II

Brief Description: This version of General Tso's Chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It's a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Substitutions:

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes or using fresh chili peppers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water and egg. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it with the cornstarch mixture. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics

In a separate large skillet or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the red pepper flakes and green onions, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the aromatics. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken

Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well-coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the General Tso's Chicken II to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This recipe makes enough for about 4 servings. Here are some ideas to enhance your General Tso's Chicken II experience:

• Serve with Steamed Rice: The classic accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple side salad work wonderfully.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 25g
• Sugar: 8g

Storage and Reheating

Storage Tips:

Store any leftover General Tso's Chicken II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven and warm the sauce on the stove before combining them.

What can I use as a vegetarian substitute?

You can use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Follow the same steps for coating and frying, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference or omit them entirely for a milder version.

Conclusion

This General Tso's Chicken II recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Its crispy chicken, coated in a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and spicy sauce, makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves. Don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments below. Enjoy!

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