General Tso's Chicken

30 mins
Serves 4
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Directions

  1. 1Slice the white part of the scallions and mince the garlic.
  2. 2Cut the chicken into about 1-inch cubes.
  3. 3In a mixing bowl, add the chicken and a pinch of salt. Mix until the chicken absorbs the salt.
  4. 4Add white pepper and rice wine, mix well.
  5. 5Prepare the batter by adding cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, a large egg, cooking oil, and water into a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  6. 6Coat the chicken in the batter.
  7. 7To make the sauce, add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, chili oil, and chicken stock into a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
  8. 8In a pot over high heat, add 4 cups of cooking oil and heat it to 350°F (177°C).
  9. 9Carefully place the chicken in the pot and fry for about 5 minutes until golden.
  10. 10Remove the chicken and drain.
  11. 11Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (191°C).
  12. 12Return the chicken to the pot and fry for another 1 minute until super crispy. Drain and set aside.
  13. 13In a wok over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
  14. 14Stir-fry the scallions, dry chilies, and garlic for about 10 seconds.
  15. 15Pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer.
  16. 16Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water) and whisk until the sauce is thickened.
  17. 17Return the fried chicken and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1.75 pounds chicken thighs
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 4 cups cooking oil
  • 1.5 cups cornstarch
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 0.75 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 2 stalks scallions
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 10 whole dry chilies

Equipment

knifecutting boardmixing bowlpottongsstrainerwok

Tips

  • For a meal, pair with steamed rice and garlicky bok choy.
  • Baking soda makes the chicken extra crispy.
  • Baking powder creates a light and airy batter.
  • You can use any high smoking point oil for frying, like avocado oil, grapeseed oil or peanut oil.
General Tso's Chicken | Clip Recipe