General Tso's Chicken

Delicious General Tso Chicken Recipe

Who hasn't heard of General Tso's Chicken? This iconic dish, which has gained popularity worldwide, combines the intense flavors of fried chicken with a sweet and sour sauce, often accompanied by a spicy note. It is said to have been created in the 1950s, but its story has transformed over time, becoming an emblematic recipe of Asian cuisine. Get ready to discover the secrets of this recipe, which will not only impress your taste buds but also bring a touch of adventure to your kitchen!

Preparation Time:
- Marinating Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 5 tablespoons of frying oil (sunflower oil or peanut oil works best)

Marinade:
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice wine (or alternatively, dry white wine)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water

For the sauce:
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon wine vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 5 tablespoons tomato juice (or ketchup for a sweeter note)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water

Vegetables:
- 3 green onions (separate the white part from the green part)
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 5 dried chili peppers (optional, to taste)

Preparation Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the marinade ingredients: salt, soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and water. Mix well so that each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This step will not only add flavor but also make the meat more tender.

2. Prepare the sauce
In another bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: sugar, wine vinegar, tomato juice, cornstarch, and water. Mix well until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved. This sauce will give your dish that characteristic sweet and sour flavor.

3. Cook the chicken
In a deep skillet or wok, heat 5 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken cubes and fry for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken won't fry evenly. Remove the fried chicken and set aside.

4. Sauté the vegetables
In the same wok, add a teaspoon of oil (you can use the remaining oil from frying the chicken) and add the chopped garlic, chili peppers, and the white part of the green onions. Sauté everything for 30 seconds until the garlic becomes aromatic.

5. Combine the ingredients
Add the fried chicken back to the wok and mix well to combine the flavors. After a minute, pour in the prepared sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken.

6. Finish the dish
Before removing the wok from the heat, add the green part of the onions and stir for an extra touch of freshness. Serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions
General Tso's Chicken is delicious served alongside basmati rice or plain white rice, which will absorb the flavorful sauce. You can also add sautéed vegetables to create a complete and balanced dish. A cabbage or carrot salad can add a crunchy and fresh note, perfect for balancing the intense flavors of the main dish.

Variations and Helpful Tips
- For a meatless option, substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms. The marinade and sauce are just as delicious and will work perfectly with these ingredients.
- If you like it spicier, add more chili peppers or even chili flakes to the sauce.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter to your sauce.

Nutritional Information
- Serving: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 20 g

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but make sure not to overcook it to avoid drying it out.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more chili peppers or a few drops of Sriracha sauce.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
General Tso's Chicken can be a healthy option if consumed in moderation and accompanied by fresh vegetables and rice.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! This General Tso's Chicken recipe will not only delight your family and friends but will also bring a piece of Asian culinary culture right to your table. Enjoy your meal!