Zuo Zongtang Ji (General Tso’s Chicken)

May 20, 2023May 20, 20230 3
Spicy and flavorful Zuo Zongtang Ji (General Tso's Chicken)
in Chinese

Prep

30 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon shaoxing rice wine or 1 tablespoon dry sherry
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs , cut into 1 inch cubes
1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
1 1/2 cups cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3 cups vegetable oil or 3 cups peanut oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or 1 tablespoon peanut oil
8 dried whole red chilies or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves , minced
2 scallions , thinly sliced ( green parts only )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
647
Sugar
9g
Fat
40g
General Tso's Chicken is a staple of Chinese American cuisine, and is named after a famous Chinese military leader, Zuo Zongtang. The dish originated in Taiwan in the 1950s, and has since become popular in Chinese restaurants all over the world. The dish is usually made with deep-fried chicken that is then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe for Zuo Zongtang Ji (General Tso's Chicken) is a healthier take on the classic dish, using a cornstarch batter to crisp up the chicken instead of deep-frying it. The sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce to give it a savory and slightly spicy kick. This is a dish that is sure to please anyone who enjoys Chinese food.

Instructions

1.In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, shaoxing rice wine, and egg whites.
2.Add chicken and mix well. Marinate for 15 minutes.
3.In another mixing bowl, whisk cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
4.Dip chicken in cornstarch mixture and shake off excess.
5.Heat 3 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok.
6.Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
7.Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
8.Drain oil from skillet or wok, leaving only 1 tablespoon.
9.Add dried chilies or crushed red pepper flakes and garlic to skillet or wok. Cook for 10 seconds.
10.Add chicken broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
11.In a small ramekin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Add mixture to skillet or wok. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until sauce thickens.
12.Add fried chicken and stir until coated in sauce.
13.Garnish with white sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

PROS

General Tso’s Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is spicy, crunchy, and full of flavor.

This recipe is easy to follow and can be made in under an hour.

The chicken is coated in a crispy cornstarch batter and then tossed in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce.

CONS

This recipe is not suitable for those who are allergic to soy or gluten.

General Tso’s Chicken is usually deep-fried, which makes it high in calories and fat.

This recipe calls for 3 cups of vegetable oil or peanut oil, which can be expensive and unhealthy to use for frying.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While General Tso’s Chicken is not the healthiest dish out there, it does have some health benefits.
Chicken is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle.
The sauce is made with garlic and red chilies, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
However, this dish should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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