Homemade General Tso's Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless chicken thighs
cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
divided
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
or mirin
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup cornstarch
divided
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups vegetable oil
for frying
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 green onion
finely sliced, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, add the chicken, egg white, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Combine well so the chicken is coated.
- 2
In another bowl, mix together the remaining dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Set aside.
- 3
Put the remaining cornstarch into a shallow dish. Toss the chicken into it, making sure each piece is well coated.
- 4
Preheat a wok or deep non-stick skillet with the oil. Heat oil to 350 F (or when a piece of chicken sizzles in the oil). Cook the chicken pieces for 2 to 3 minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the wok; cook in 2 batches if needed. Drain pieces on paper towels and set aside.
- 5
Discard most of the oil, leaving around 1 tablespoon in the wok. Then add the garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, and stir-fry for around 30 seconds. Then add the reserved sauce. Turn up the heat and bring it to a rapid simmer, and let the sauce thicken. Once you're happy with the consistency, add the chicken and toss through the sauce and make sure the chicken is well coated.
- 6
Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds over the top of the chicken before serving with rice.
Homemade General Tso's Chicken Recipe
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 34 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible sweet, savory, and spicy kick of General Tso's chicken without the takeout price tag? This homemade recipe brings all those beloved flavors right to your kitchen, proving that restaurant-quality Chinese-American cuisine is easily achievable.
You'll love how this recipe makes the often-intimidating dish approachable and incredibly satisfying. It’s designed to be both budget-friendly and speedy, delivering authentic taste with straightforward steps that fit into a busy weeknight schedule. The result is a truly comforting and flavorful meal that outshines typical delivery.
What to Expect
Prepare for tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a wonderfully crisp exterior, all enveloped in that iconic sticky, glistening General Tso's sauce. The sauce strikes a perfect balance: rich and savory from soy and hoisin, bright with rice wine vinegar, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and a subtle warmth from ginger and red chili flakes. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a complex symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for more. This dish promises a hearty and satisfying experience, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to personalize your General Tso's. If you don't have Shaoxing wine, mirin makes an excellent substitute to achieve a similar depth of flavor. For a different texture, you could experiment with chicken breast instead of thighs, though thighs typically stay more succulent. While the recipe is packed with classic flavors, you could adjust the red chili flakes to dial the heat up or down to your preference.
Serving & Context
This homemade General Tso's chicken is ideal for a satisfying family dinner or a cozy night in. Serve it hot over steamed white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, perhaps with a simple side of blanched broccoli for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for that authentic finishing touch.