General Tso's Chicken
Chunks of battered chicken, coated in a sweet and tangy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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General Tso's chicken, despite its Chinese-sounding name, is a relatively modern dish that originated in the United States. Its creation is often attributed to Peng Chang-kuei, a Hunanese chef who fled to Taiwan after the Chinese Communist Revolution. While his original dish served in Taiwan influenced later versions, the sweet and spicy profile familiar today was largely developed in American Chinese restaurants to cater to American tastes.
General Tso's Chicken is a quintessential example of American Chinese cuisine, reflecting the adaptation and evolution of Chinese cooking to suit American palates. It represents the creativity and ingenuity of Chinese immigrant chefs in creating dishes that resonated with a new audience.
Americanized Chinese Cuisine
General Tso's Chicken is a prime example of how Chinese cuisine has been adapted and modified to appeal to American tastes. It's generally sweeter and less complex than traditional Chinese dishes.
Popularity and Availability
The dish's widespread availability in Chinese restaurants across the United States highlights its enduring popularity and cultural significance as a staple of American Chinese food.
Misconceptions about Authenticity
It's important to recognize that General Tso's Chicken is not a traditional Chinese dish, and its origins lie primarily in the American culinary landscape.
General Tso's Chicken boasts a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness, spiciness, savoriness, and a hint of tanginess.
The primary flavor is sweetness, derived from sugar, honey, or other sweeteners in the sauce. Spiciness comes from chili peppers, often dried red chilies or chili paste. Soy sauce contributes a savory umami flavor, while rice vinegar or another acid introduces a tangy counterpoint. Garlic and ginger provide aromatic depth. The chicken itself is often marinated and fried, adding a crispy texture that complements the sauce.
Crispy Chicken
Double-frying the chicken ensures a crispier exterior that holds up well to the sauce. Ensure the oil is hot enough for the first fry to set the coating and then again for the second fry to achieve deep golden colour.
Sauce Consistency
Achieve the right sauce consistency by using cornstarch to thicken it. Adjust the amount of cornstarch depending on your desired thickness. Make sure to dissolve cornstarch into the cold water beforehand to avoid lumps.
Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ginger and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce. Avoid using pre-minced or powdered versions for the best results.
Proper Marination
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably longer, to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Soy sauce, rice wine, and ginger are good choices for the marinade.
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