Savory General Tso's Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Savory General Tso's Chicken Delight, a beloved twist on the classic dish! This recipe has been perfected through countless experiments, resulting in a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken, aromatic spices, and a luscious glaze that will transport your taste buds to new heights. While it does take some time and care, the reward is a restaurant-worthy meal that you can serve right at home. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, pair it with steamed broccoli and fluffy rice for the ultimate dining experience.
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken thighs, boned and cubed
1 lb (cubed)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Cornstarch
1/2 cup (for coating)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (for sauce)
Dried chili pods
5 (whole)
Rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons
Rice wine
2 tablespoons
Sugar
3 tablespoons
Soy sauce
3 tablespoons
Peanut oil
1-2 inches (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of cornstarch with the beaten eggs until well blended. Add the cubed chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. If the mixture is too thick and clumpy, add a small amount of vegetable oil to separate the chicken.
2
In a separate small bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing the 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with the rice wine, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth and set aside.
3
Heat 1-2 inches of peanut oil in a deep wok or heavy pan over medium-high heat, reaching a temperature of 350-400°F (175-204°C).
4
Carefully fry the chicken pieces in small batches until cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on absorbent paper to drain. This can be done in advance; the chicken can cool and be refrigerated until ready to finish the dish.
5
For the second stage of frying, retain 1-2 tablespoons of the oil in the wok. Add the dried chili pods and stir-fry for 30 seconds, allowing their flavors to infuse the oil without burning.
6
Return the fried chicken to the wok, stir-frying for a few minutes until the chicken is crispy and heated through.
7
Pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring constantly over high heat until the sauce caramelizes and thickens into a glossy glaze, about 1-2 minutes.
8
Serve immediately, garnishing with sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your homemade Savory General Tso's Chicken Delight alongside steamed broccoli and rice for a truly satisfying meal!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
25g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory General Tso's Chicken Delight?
It is a savory version of the classic Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken in a luscious glaze with aromatic spices.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boned and cubed chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 22.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
One serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in Savory General Tso's Chicken?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Peanut oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
The oil should be heated to between 350-400°F (175-204°C).
How is the chicken coated before frying?
The cubed chicken is tossed in a mixture of 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 3 beaten eggs.
What should I do if the chicken coating is too thick?
If the mixture is too clumpy, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil to help separate the chicken pieces.
What ingredients are used to make the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, rice wine, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.
How many dried chili pods are needed?
The recipe requires 5 whole dried chili pods.
How long should the chicken be fried initially?
The chicken should be fried in small batches for approximately 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
Can I prepare the fried chicken in advance?
Yes, the chicken can be fried, cooled, and refrigerated until you are ready to finish the dish.
What is the purpose of the second stage of frying?
The second stage involves stir-frying the chicken with chili-infused oil to make it crispy and heated through before adding the glaze.
How do I infuse the oil with chili flavor?
Stir-fry the dried chili pods in 1-2 tablespoons of oil for 30 seconds, ensuring they do not burn.
How long does it take for the sauce to glaze the chicken?
The sauce should be stirred over high heat for about 1-2 minutes until it caramelizes and thickens.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish is best served alongside steamed broccoli and fluffy rice.
What garnish is suggested for this chicken dish?
Sliced green onions make an excellent garnish for a professional presentation.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
What type of wine should I use for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of rice wine.
How much sugar is in the sauce mixture?
The sauce contains 3 tablespoons of sugar.
How much soy sauce is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
How deep should the oil be for frying the chicken?
You should have 1-2 inches of peanut oil in your wok or heavy pan.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the 5 dried chili pods infused into the oil.
How many eggs are used in the coating?
The recipe uses 3 beaten eggs for the chicken coating.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken should have a crispy exterior with a glossy, thickened glaze.
How many total ingredients are listed in the recipe?
There are 10 distinct ingredients used to prepare the meal.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its restaurant-quality taste and presentation make it perfect for family dinners or special events.