What's In General Tso's Chicken?

The History Behind General Tso's Chicken

General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese takeout dish that is found all over the world. It consists of fried chicken, a sweet and savory sauce, and vegetables. But despite its popularity, its origin is largely unknown. Some say that the original dish was invented by a chef from the Hunan Province of China in the early 1900s, and the dish was named after a famous general of the same name. Others claim that the dish was created by a restaurant in Taiwan in the 1950s and was then brought over to the United States. Regardless of its origin story, General Tso’s chicken is a delicious dish that is enjoyed by many.

Ingredients of General Tso's Chicken

To make General Tso’s chicken, you will need the following ingredients: chicken pieces, eggs, cornstarch, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and green onions. The chicken is usually cut into bite-sized pieces, and then marinated in egg and cornstarch. The sauce is made by combining soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. The vegetables that are usually used in the dish are usually broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots.

Instructions for Making General Tso's Chicken

To make General Tso’s chicken, begin by marinating the chicken pieces in the egg and cornstarch for about 20 minutes. Once the chicken is marinated, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to form the sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, add the sauce to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce is thickened. Finally, add the vegetables to the skillet and cook until they are tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Serve the General Tso’s chicken over rice and enjoy.

Nutrition Information of General Tso's Chicken

General Tso’s chicken is a tasty dish that is also nutritious. A single serving of General Tso’s chicken contains about 300 calories, 18 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber, and 12 grams of protein. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. It is important to note that the nutrition information may vary depending on the ingredients used, so it is best to check the nutrition label on the package.

Conclusion

General Tso’s chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is enjoyed all over the world. It is made by marinating chicken pieces in egg and cornstarch, frying them, and then adding a savory sauce and vegetables. The dish is a great source of protein and vitamins, and it is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. All you need to make it are a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time. So, next time you’re in the mood for a delicious Chinese dish, give General Tso’s chicken a try.

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