Why you’ll love this recipe
- It strikes the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and savory—the trifecta of classic Chinese-American cuisine.
- The cornstarch-heavy batter creates a “glass-like” crunch that stands up to the thick, dark sauce.
- It’s faster and healthier than ordering out, plus you can control the heat level to your liking.
Key Ingredients
- Ketchup: A secret ingredient in many General Tso’s recipes that adds body, sweetness, and a hint of tomato tang.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Provides the iconic dark, rich color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
- Dried Chili Peppers: Adds a smoky, lingering heat that defines the “General Tso” experience.
✅Quick Tips: Don’t skip the cornstarch in the sauce; it’s what gives the dish that glossy, professional “cling” to the chicken.
Key Steps
- #1: Mix the General Tso sauce first
- #2: Cook the sauce until it bubbles and thickens significantly; it should coat the back of a spoon.
- #3: Toss the chicken rapidly in the glaze and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot sauce and crispy meat.
Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
Battered chicken is fried until shatter-crisp and tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with soy, vinegar, and chili. It is the ultimate comfort meal that beats any delivery service.
Ingredients:
Dry Mix
General Tso's Sauce:
Instructions
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Cut the chicken breast into bite-size cubes. Season with garlic powder, white pepper, and salt. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in water until a smooth batter forms.
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Add one egg to the marinated chicken and mix well. Transfer the chicken into the batter and coat evenly.
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Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
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In a bowl, make the General Tso’s sauce by mixing soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce lightly thickens.
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Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cook briefly, just until glazed.
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Finish with white sesame and serve immediately.
General Tso's, Chicken, Spicy
