Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant! This isn't just another chicken recipe - this is General Tso's Chicken Peng Teng, a dish so incredibly delicious it'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine crispy, golden chicken pieces perfectly coated in a tantalizing sauce that balances sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, all ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 12 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thigh pieces with soy sauce and coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Spread cornstarch on a flat plate and thoroughly coat each marinated chicken piece, shaking off excess starch to ensure a light, even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.
- Remove chicken pieces and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- In the same wok, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water, and remaining soy sauce in a separate bowl to create the sauce.
- Pour sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a quick simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Return fried chicken pieces to the wok and toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken, giving a final toss to distribute evenly.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Let the chicken sit in soy sauce for the full 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Cornstarch Coating Technique: Shake off excess cornstarch to achieve that perfect crispy exterior without clumping.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain 350°F for optimal frying - this ensures crispy, not greasy chicken.
- Batch Frying: Never overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly and simmer briefly to develop rich, deep flavors.
- Serve Immediately: General Tso's Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh, with steamed rice to soak up that incredible sauce. Pro Chef Secret: Toast your sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling for an extra nutty flavor that takes this dish to the next level!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
