Restaurant-Style General Tso's Chicken Recipe
General Tso's chicken, a popular Chinese-American dish, has gained widespread fame for its crispy exterior and sweet, savory flavor. If you're looking to replicate this beloved recipe at home, look no further! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality General Tso's chicken that will impress your family and friends.
To start, you'll need 1-2 lbs of chicken thighs or breast, depending on the number of servings you want to make. Make sure to choose fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken for the best results.
Before we dive into the recipe, it's essential to consider your personal nutrition needs. If you have specific dietary requirements due to medical conditions, consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Now, let's talk about General Tso's chicken in terms of nutrition. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. The percent daily value (%DV) found on nutrition labels helps you understand how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts.
For General Tso's chicken, you can expect it to provide a good amount of protein and some carbohydrates from the breading mixture. However, be mindful of the sodium content, as excessive sodium consumption is not ideal for heart health.
Here's a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
* 1-2 lbs chicken thighs or breast
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Transfer the General Tso's chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
And there you have it - a delicious, restaurant-quality General Tso's chicken recipe that you can enjoy at home! With its crispy exterior and savory flavor, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
