Ultimate General Tso's Chicken
Ultimate General Tso's Chicken is a flavor-packed masterpiece that combines crispy, succulent chicken with a tantalizing sauce that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory elements. Each piece of chicken is double-fried to achieve golden-brown perfection, ensuring an indulgently crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the silky sauce. Infused with fragrant garlic, zesty orange, and the warmth of dried red chilies, this dish is a sure bet to elevate your dining experience. Complete your meal with a side of steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice for an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine that will leave you craving more.
N/A
Servings
480
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
4 cups (for frying)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
1.5 lbs (cut into ½ inch cubes)
Salt
1 teaspoon
White sugar
1 teaspoon
White pepper
a pinch
Cornstarch
1 cup
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for stir-fry)
Green onions
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Dried red chilies
6
Orange zest
1 strip
White sugar
½ cup
Ground ginger
¼ teaspoon
Chicken broth
3 tablespoons
Rice vinegar
1 tablespoon
Soy sauce
¼ cup
Sesame oil
2 teaspoons
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (for thickening)
Water
¼ cup
Instructions
1
Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg, then add the chicken cubes. Season with salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated.
3
Gradually incorporate 1 cup of cornstarch, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. This will create a crispy exterior when fried.
4
Fry the chicken in batches: carefully lower the coated cubes into the hot oil one at a time. Cook until they are golden brown and floating, about 3 minutes. Remove and allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken.
5
Once all the chicken is initially fried, refry the pieces starting with the first batch. Fry for an additional 2 minutes until deeply golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6
In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the chopped green onions, minced garlic, whole dried chiles, and the strip of orange zest. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and the chiles become vibrant.
7
Introduce ½ cup of sugar, ground ginger, chicken broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and peanut oil into the wok. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
8
In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in ¼ cup of water. Stir the mixture into the boiling sauce and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
9
Finally, gently fold the fried chicken into the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Lower the heat and simmer for a few additional minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
42g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Ultimate General Tso's Chicken?
It is a flavor-packed dish that balances sweet, spicy, and savory elements with a crispy, succulent chicken texture.
How do you achieve the crispy texture for the chicken?
The chicken is double-fried; first for 3 minutes until golden, and then refried for another 2 minutes until deeply golden brown.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The vegetable oil should reach 375°F (190°C) before frying the chicken.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
What are the primary aromatics used in the sauce?
The sauce is infused with green onions, minced garlic, whole dried red chilies, and a strip of orange zest.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 480 calories.
How much fat is in the Ultimate General Tso's Chicken?
There are 28g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The recipe contains 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
How do you thicken the General Tso sauce?
Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water, then stir it into the boiling sauce and cook for 1 minute.
What ingredients are used for the chicken coating?
The coating consists of one beaten egg, salt, sugar, white pepper, and 1 cup of cornstarch.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
How many dried red chilies are included?
The recipe uses 6 whole dried red chilies to provide warmth and spice.
What oils are added to the sauce mixture?
The sauce includes sesame oil and peanut oil for added depth and flavor.
How long do you stir-fry the aromatics?
Stir-fry the green onions, garlic, chilies, and orange zest for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish is best served with steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice.
How much sugar is in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of white sugar.
What is the purpose of the orange zest?
The orange zest provides a zesty, fragrant citrus note that balances the savory and spicy flavors.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Yes, this recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
You will need 4 cups of vegetable oil for the deep-frying process.
Is the chicken cooked in the sauce for a long time?
No, you fold the chicken into the thickened sauce and simmer for just a few additional minutes to let it absorb the flavor.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
Do you add sugar to the chicken coating?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of white sugar is mixed with the egg and spices to coat the chicken.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The recipe requires 1 clove of garlic, which should be minced.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions.
What is the role of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used both to coat the chicken for a crispy exterior and as a thickener for the sauce.
How much chicken broth is required?
The sauce includes 3 tablespoons of chicken broth.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is heating the frying oil to the correct temperature of 375°F.
Is the chicken breast or thigh meat preferred?
Chicken thighs are used in this recipe for a more succulent and flavor-packed result.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
Once the cornstarch slurry is added, it takes about 1 minute of cooking for the sauce to thicken.