Best Easy Chef Peng General Tso Chicken Recipe
If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, you’ve probably tried General Tso Chicken at some point. This popular dish is known for its sweet and tangy flavors, crispy chicken, and perfectly balanced sauce. While you can always order it from your local Chinese restaurant, why not try making it at home with this easy and delicious recipe by Chef Peng?
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha (if using), and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
3. Can I make it less spicy?
If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the sriracha sauce.
4. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While rice vinegar is commonly used in Chinese cuisine, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance for quicker cooking.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken, but the texture may change slightly.
7. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Certainly! You can toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
8. Can I use a different type of oil?
Feel free to use any neutral oil like canola or peanut oil for frying.
9. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Boneless chicken is recommended for this recipe, but you can use bone-in chicken with adjusted cooking time.
10. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version.
11. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, and enjoy a larger portion or feed a crowd.
Now that you have this amazing recipe and all your questions answered, it’s time to put on your apron and get cooking. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of Chef Peng’s General Tso Chicken in the comfort of your own home!