General Tso's Chicken
Growing up there were many Friday nights that we would order takeout for dinner. It was typically either pizza or Chinese food (or both depending on everyones’ mood that day). One of my favorites, as I am sure it is with many, was always General Tso’s Chicken. Every now and then I still get those cravings for takeout, but instead turn to this recipe. It is a simple recipe that is reminiscent of the classic, but in my opinion a step above. For the photo above, I had actually used the breast meat from a turkey I shot in the Spring, but chicken breast would work just as well. The next time you are craving takeout, try this recipe.
Preparing The Meal
Begin making the marinade by mixing the egg yolks, soy sauce and potato starch together in a small bowl. Once mixed, add the chicken breast pieces to the bowl and mix to combine. Set aside on the counter while you mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce in another small bowl.
Next, pour the peanut oil into a large, heavy pot. Heat the oil to about 350°F. While the oil is heating, line a baking sheet with a paper towel for the finished chicken breast pieces. When the oil is ready, carefully add some of the chicken breast pieces (about 1/3 of the total) and immediately separate them with a butter knife or other similar utensil. Fry the chicken until the pieces are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil, and set on the baking sheet. Repeat the process two more times with the remaining chicken breast pieces.
Once all of the chicken is fried, turn off the heat and let the oil cool, then pour it into a large measuring cup. While the oil is cooling, begin steaming the broccoli, and preparing rice per the package instructions. Once the oil is completely cooled you can later strain it into a container for future use.
Next, get out a large saute pan and heat the 3 tablespoons of peanut oil over high heat for 1 minute. Then, add the dried chiles, and cook another minute or two. Add the ginger and stir fry for 30 seconds. Next, add the garlic and stir fry for 30 seconds more. Then, add all the fried chicken breast pieces and the green onions. Stir the sauce in the bowl and add it to the pan, making sure you get all the cornstarch starch that has settled at the bottom of the bowl. Stir fry for 1 minute. After 1 minute, turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil.
To serve add rice and steamed broccoli to a bowl. Spoon the General Tso’s Chicken over top, making sure to get plenty of sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and onion tops, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
1 Pound Chicken Breast, Cut Into Bite-Sized Chunks
3 Tablespoons Peanut Oil
4 Dried Small Chiles
A 2” Knob Of Ginger, Peeled And Minced
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
6 Green Onions, Chopped
2 Teaspoons Sesame Oil
The Marinade
4 Tablespoons Corn Starch
2 Egg Yolks
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
3 Cups Peanut Oil
The Sauce
1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 1/2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Tablespoon Malt Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1 Teaspoon Corn Starch
To Serve
Rice
Steamed Broccoli
Sesame Seeds
Green Onion Tops, Sliced