How Chinese Restaurants Make General Tso Chicken: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
If you’ve ever visited a Chinese restaurant in the United States, chances are you’ve seen General Tso Chicken listed on the menu. But have you ever wondered how Chinese restaurants make this delicious dish? As someone who has spent quite a bit of time in Chinese kitchens, I’m excited to share the secrets behind how General Tso Chicken is made, and what makes it such a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.
The Origin of General Tso Chicken
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s worth noting the origins of General Tso Chicken. Despite being a beloved dish in the U.S., General Tso Chicken is not a traditional Chinese dish. The recipe was created in the 1970s by Chef Peng Chang-kuei, who was from Taiwan. He originally created it as a homage to the famous Chinese military leader, General Zuo Zongtang, whose name was westernized to General Tso in the dish. Over time, the dish became popular across Chinese restaurants in America, even though it was practically unknown in China until much later.
The Key Ingredients
Creating the perfect General Tso Chicken requires a careful balance of ingredients. The chicken itself is typically boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. However, it’s the sauce that really makes this dish stand out. Here’s what goes into the sauce:
- Soy sauce – This adds saltiness and umami flavor to the dish.
- Rice vinegar – To provide a touch of acidity and balance out the richness of the sauce.
- Brown sugar – This ingredient adds sweetness, balancing out the tanginess and saltiness.
- Garlic and ginger – These are the aromatic base flavors that give the sauce its complexity.
- Chili peppers – If you like a bit of heat, these add spice and depth to the dish.
Each restaurant may have its variation of these ingredients, but the core flavor profile remains the same: a perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy.
The Cooking Process: Step-by-Step
Now, let's walk through the step-by-step process of how Chinese restaurants make General Tso Chicken. The dish may seem simple, but it involves multiple techniques to achieve that crispy texture and flavorful sauce.
1. Marinating the Chicken
It all begins with the chicken. The chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and sometimes a touch of cornstarch. This marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavors before it’s cooked. The marinating process is crucial to ensure that the chicken is flavorful all the way through.
2. Dredging the Chicken
After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to dredge it in a coating of cornstarch or flour. This step ensures the chicken gets crispy when fried. The key is to make sure the chicken is coated evenly and not too thickly, allowing for the perfect crunch. Some chefs might double-dip the chicken for extra crunch, ensuring each piece is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
3. Frying the Chicken
The next step is deep frying the chicken pieces in hot oil. It’s crucial to maintain the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) so the chicken gets crispy without becoming greasy. The chicken is fried in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would result in soggy chicken. Once fried to a golden brown, the chicken is removed from the oil and set aside.
4. Preparing the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, the sauce is prepared. A wok or large skillet is heated, and oil is added along with garlic, ginger, and dried chili peppers. These ingredients are sautéed quickly to release their flavors. Next, the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and other seasonings are added and simmered until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a glossy, sticky coating.
5. Tossing the Chicken in the Sauce
Finally, the crispy chicken is added to the wok, and everything is tossed together. The goal is to coat each piece of chicken in the flavorful sauce while keeping the crispy exterior intact. This is where the magic happens. The chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavors, and the result is a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and savory goodness.
Why General Tso Chicken is So Popular
So, what makes General Tso Chicken so popular? There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of crispy chicken, bold flavors, and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The dish is a reflection of Chinese-American cuisine, which takes traditional Chinese flavors and adapts them to suit the American palate. Whether you’re enjoying it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, General Tso Chicken has become a comfort food for many across the United States.
Fun Fact: The “General Tso” Controversy
Interestingly enough, there’s been a bit of a debate over the years about the true origins of General Tso Chicken. As mentioned earlier, the dish was created by Chef Peng, but there are many who argue that it isn’t truly representative of authentic Chinese cuisine. Some even claim that General Tso Chicken isn’t even remotely related to the famous general! Despite the debate, one thing is clear: it has become one of the most iconic dishes in Chinese-American restaurants across the country.
Conclusion: A Dish Loved by All
Whether you’re dining in a Chinese restaurant or making it at home, General Tso Chicken is a dish that’s sure to please. With its crunchy exterior and flavorful sauce, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among so many. Next time you’re craving something sweet and savory, don’t forget about this delicious dish and the unique process that goes into creating it!
