Are you a fan of the mouthwatering General Tso’s chicken, but wish you could recreate that same savory and slightly sweet flavor at home? Look no further! In this article, we will share with you the recipe for General Tso’s sauce, a key ingredient that brings this iconic Chinese-American dish to life. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this sauce is sure to be a game-changer for your culinary adventures.
General Tso’s sauce is a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a blend of spices that create a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The sauce is named after General Tso, a renowned Chinese military strategist and gourmet, who is said to have inspired this dish. While there are many variations of the recipe, we have compiled a classic and foolproof version that you can easily follow at home.
Here’s what you’ll need to make the recipe for General Tso’s sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Follow these simple steps to make the recipe for General Tso’s sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and stir-fry any vegetables you may be using (such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli) until they are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve the General Tso’s chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
With this recipe for General Tso’s sauce, you can now enjoy this beloved dish at home, with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your food. Happy cooking!
