Image Source from christieathome1

Easy General Tso Chicken Recipe: A Taste of China at Home

General Tso Chicken is a beloved dish that has become a staple in Chinese takeaways and restaurants around the world. Named after a 19th-century Chinese military general, the dish is characterised by lightly battered and fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, savoury sauce. While it’s often deemed difficult to replicate at home, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you enjoy a homemade version that tastes just as good as the takeaway!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1-2 teaspoons chilli flakes (adjust according to your taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

To Garnish:

• Sliced spring onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Method

1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornflour. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavour and tenderise the meat.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes. Set this aside for later use.

3. Coat the Chicken:
Once marinated, add the beaten egg to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined. This creates a sticky coating for the chicken that will help the cornflour adhere better.

4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.

5. Create the Sauce:
In the same pan, remove most of the oil, leaving just a couple of tablespoons. Pour in the sauce mixture and turn the heat to medium. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the cornflour slurry (cornflour and water mixture) to thicken the sauce. Cook for another minute until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss it well in the sauce until fully coated. This step gives your chicken a gorgeous glossy finish.

7. Serve:
Transfer the General Tso Chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or fried rice and enjoy your homemade takeaway!

Tips for Success

• For Extra Crispiness: Double fry the chicken for an additional crunch. Simply let it rest after the first fry, then return it to the oil for an extra 2-3 minutes.
• Adjust the Spice Level: For those who prefer a milder flavour, feel free to reduce or omit the chilli flakes.
• Vegetables: Add some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the stir-fry for added colour and nutrition.

Conclusion

With this easy General Tso Chicken recipe, you’ll have a delicious dish that can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for evenings when you fancy a comforting treat, this recipe is flexible enough to allow for personal touches. Say goodbye to ordering in, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a tasty Chinese classic right in your kitchen!